Zola Budd is a former South African middle-distance runner who gained international attention, particularly in the 1980s. She was known for her barefoot running style and her rivalry with British runner Mary Decker.

Budd set multiple records in middle-distance events, especially in the 5,000 meters. However, her career was often overshadowed by controversies, particularly her collision with Mary Decker during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. In that race, Budd and Decker collided, leading to Decker’s fall and injury, which ended her Olympic hopes. The incident sparked heated debates and controversy in the running world.

Despite the controversies, Budd had a significant impact on the sport of running and remains remembered for her unique running style and her achievements on the track.

Zola Budd Quotes

1. “I can drink tea until the cows come home and I love the atmosphere in tea shops.”
— Zola Budd

2. “I think it’s one of the most natural things for any human to do is to be able to run because it’s that flight or fight reaction you have. You either fight or you run away. It’s just a natural way for us to move.”
— Zola Budd

3. “Coming from a farming background, I saw nothing out of the ordinary in running barefoot, although it seemed to startle the rest of the athletics world. I have always enjoyed going barefoot and when I was growing up I seldom wore shoes, even when I went into town.”
— Zola Budd

4. “Looking back… it’s hard to understand what all the fuss was about as things changed in just a few years. When you look at all the things that have happened in the world, it seems very small.”
— Zola Budd

5. “When you sit in America you miss the open plains and you miss the sound of rain and the smell of rain and the smell of the veld. If you’re African it’s different and I don’t think one will ever become an American or British. It doesn’t matter where you move, you will always be a South African.”
— Zola Budd

6. “There were always a couple of loonies who caused all the trouble.”
— Zola Budd

7. “She hasn’t run faster than herself before.”
— Zola Budd

8. “I will never regret not denouncing apartheid.”
— Zola Budd

9. “I have strong views about South African politics and I still don’t feel I need to make public statements.”
— Zola Budd

10. “I no longer run barefoot.”
— Zola Budd

11. “Tea shops were to become my favorite haunts in England.”
— Zola Budd