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Published on Sunday, 01 April 2012 03:52

Written by Administrator

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    In 2009, Winter was sitting on the couch in her Michigan home reading the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records. While flipping through the pages, she came across a record that caught her attention. She instantly pointed to the record “youngest person to complete a marathon on every continent” and said “I want this record for my dad and all the men in the world effected by prostate cancer!” The record at that time was a 27 y/o male. Since then, the record has dropped every year and is currently held by a 15 y/o girl from Sweden. Winter had just completed an Olympic distance triathlon months earlier at the age of 9 and felt it was time to set a new goal, a new dream, something powerful to reach all corners of the world. 

    Winter envisioned her dream that day and for the last 3 years, set a plan in place to reach her goal and make her dream a reality. It has been a journey from the very start with huge obstacles, mainly related to her age. With tenacity and persistence and encouragement from fellow athletes, coaches and friends, Winter did not give in to the critics.  Thanks to the encouraging words and support from female Olympians who have fought gender discrimination, Winter is now helping break down a barrier; they too, faced years ago, age discrimination.  She is now steps away from her first marathon, but it hasn’t been without significant challenges and disappointments.  Winter will tell you, the greatest story will not be the marathons; it will be her journey to each of these marathons. A renowned ultra-marathoner and race director has told Winter, “I have no concerns about your age and ability in running a marathon, only a concern of getting you to the start line”.  Winter and her brothers made a promise to their dad as seen etched on his dad’s gravestone “Cancer, we will chase you to the end of the World and stomp you out like you stomped our dad out!” Winter plans on keeping her promise………

    “She shouldn’t run so far”, “she’s too young”, “wait until your older”, “she’s going to injury or hurt herself”, “she’s going to get burned out”. Despite all of the well-meant comments in trying to protect Winter’s best interest, rest your worries. Winter is being followed by an excellent staff of physicians, coaches and researchers. Most importantly, Winter loves what she is doing. She feels being a diverse athlete and cross training as a downhill skier and triathlete, has given her a tremendous advantage as a runner. Hopefully, someday her training experiences will be helpful in breaking down age barriers in endurance sports involving the youth. Here is a great article to read regarding the most current research and information on youth endurance running.