Lisa Rainsberger (formerly Weidenbach) has been an athlete since she was old enough to enter races. She is perhaps best known for two things, one great one: she is the last American to win the Boston Marathon, and the other, lost Olympic opportunity.
From TrainingGoals.com: In 1980 Lisa qualified for the US Olympic Swimming Trials, however the United Stated boycotted the 1980 Olympics and Lisa was unable to compete, In 1984, 1988 & 1992 Lisa finished 4th in the US Olympic Marathon Trials making her the Olympic Team Alternate. (The top three in the Olympic Trials qualify for the Olympic Team).
In 1988, she ran in the US Olympic Track and Field Trials. She finished 5th in the 10,000 meters, but she set a new personal record of 32:12. In 1996, she finished a disappointing 19th in the US Olympic Marathon Trials.
Finally, looking towards the 2000 Olympics Lisa was on her way as a Professional Triathlete. She finished 4th at the US Triathlon National Championships, and discovered she and her husband were expecting their first child. It was then that she retired from competing nationally and began a coaching career.
This year at the Boston Marathon, Lisa laced up her shoes and returned to the race where she is still known for what she did accomplish. But, she is not alone. Lisa will be crossing the finish line right where she wants to be, not first, but with her family. Her husband and two children will be running right there with her.
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