Goucher ran her first marathon in 2008 at the New York City marathon. She finished in a strong third place and her time of 2:25:53 was the best-ever marathon debut by an American woman, beating Deena Kastor’s mark of 2:26:58. It also marked the first time in 14 years that an American woman placed in the top three in New York. Goucher's second marathon was almost as impressive, when she placed third in the 2009 Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:32:25.
Goucher also made history at the 2007 IAAF World Outdoor Championships by winning the first American medal ever in the women's 10,000 meters. She won the 5,000 meters and was second in the 10,000 meters at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials and placed 9th and 10th at the Olympics, respectively.
Born: July 9, 1978, in Queens, NY
Lives: Portland, Ore.
Team: Nike
Major Achievements: 2008 U.S Olympic Trials 5,000m champion and 10,000m runner-up; 2007 World Outdoor bronze medalist; 2007 USA Outdoor 10,000m runner-up; 2006 USA Outdoor 5,000m runner-up; 2000 NCAA Outdoor Champion in 3,000 and 5,000m; 2000 NCAA XC Champion
Personal Records: 1,500m - 4:05.14 (2006); 3,000m - 8:41.42 (2006); 5,000m – 14:55.02 (2007); 10,000m – 30:55.16 (2008); Half marathon – 1:06:57 (2007); marathon – 2:25:53 (2008)
