The Longest Race

Viac o knihe

Kara Goucher had dreams of Olympic glory, excelling in running despite facing significant challenges, including her father's death and struggles with disordered eating. She achieved notable success, winning high school cross country championships in Minnesota and NCAA titles at the University of Colorado, leading to a sponsorship deal with Nike. Alberto Salazar, a legendary figure in American distance running, was hired by Nike to create a team to restore the U.S. as a distance running powerhouse. In 2004, Kara and her husband, Adam, were invited to join Salazar's elite team in Oregon, a seemingly perfect opportunity. However, Salazar's charming exterior concealed dark secrets; he was narcissistic and power-hungry, exerting complete control over his runners while pushing the boundaries of anti-doping rules and fostering a culture of abuse. In this powerful narrative, Kara bravely confronts these issues, ultimately becoming a key witness in Salazar's lifetime ban from coaching and advocating for female athletes. She shares her journey of overcoming fear, reclaiming control over her life and career, and rediscovering her passion for running, making it a compelling call to action.