The real reason Zola Budd ran barefoot
Legendary South African runner Zola Budd joined Breakfast with Martin Bester to reflect on her historic career and share her latest adventures in the running world.
Zola Budd took the athletics world by storm in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for her unique running style, without shoes, she became a household name and one of South Africa's most prolific runners.
Running became her sanctuary after tragedy struck her family. When she was 14, her older sister, who was like a mother to her, passed away.
According to Budd, the loss collapsed her family structure, and she found solace in running.
So, why didn't she wear shoes?
The answer is simple: she didn't have access to proper shoes. Growing up during that time, it wasn't easy to get the right gear, so she ran barefoot and it became her trademark.
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As a young girl, Budd would kneel at her bedside to say her prayers. On the wall above her was a poster of her heroine, a world record holder. Budd dreamed of one day being just like her.
Years later, Budd broke that same athlete's record, barefoot, in Stellenbosch. However, due to international sanctions at the time, the achievement wasn’t officially recognised. A few months later, she broke the record again while running in Britain.
She later faced the same runner, Mary Decker Slaney, at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Unfortunately, this led to their infamous collision.
The incident happened when the runners’ feet became entangled. Decker fell and injured herself, while Budd continued the race but was visibly shaken. At the time, Decker blamed Budd for the accident, but she later admitted it had been unintentional.
Budd has said she regrets the day she broke the record in Stellenbosch. She has never watched a replay of that Olympic race.
Following the incident, Budd faced intense public scrutiny. She received death threats and had to be escorted from the stadium by police for her own safety.
The Run with Zola
The Run with Zola is an event designed to create opportunities for young boys and girls who dream of becoming champions, just like Budd once did.
People from all walks of life participate in this inspiring race. It's the first of its kind and is set to grow organically throughout South Africa.
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The event is intentionally relaxed and low-key, just like Budd herself.
Entries are open online until 12 pm on Friday.
Did You Know?
Budd holds a PhD in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Coastal Carolina University. Her research focuses on PTSD in coaches and athletes.
Despite her fame, Budd dislikes publicity. The harsh experiences she endured as a 17-year-old made her shy away from the spotlight.
She is an animal lover and adores her dog. In fact, she knows the names of all the dogs in her neighbourhood—but not those of their owners!
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People started calling taxis Zola Budds, after the iconic runner.
Iconic South African singer Brenda Fassie also wrote a song about Budd.
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