GRETE'S LEGACY

Grete Waitz engaged and inspired others. She was a queen to the world of running and she paved the way for many athletes. Despite her own personal battle with cancer, she remained AKTIV Against Cancer until the very end.

Grete participated in her first Olympic Games in 1972. As she developed into a long-distance runner, she quickly moved into marathons and went on to win the New York City Marathon nine times - a record that has not been matched by any other runner.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2005, Grete quickly got on board with the idea of helping others affected by the disease. She co-founded AKTIV Against Cancer in November 2007 and became a proud ambassador.

Her stunning career, combined with her intimate knowledge of what it was like to be a cancer patient, gave her a strong and credible voice. She was energetic and did not shy away from doing whatever she could do to help. She helped open doors, and she continued to inspire everyone she
came into contact with.

The belief that physical activity can lead to a better quality of life for cancer patients is relatively new knowledge. Grete discovered this first hand when she took up training during her illness. Exercise became a key supplement to her medical treatment.

The Waitz name continues to be associated with AKTIV Against Cancer through Grete's husband, Jack Waitz. He has been involved in our work from the start and is a member of the foundation’s Board of directors.