Who is Zola Budd?: 10 things to know about South Africa’s barefoot prodigy

South Africa’s Zola Budd emerged in the early 1980s as a barefoot teenage sensation, smashing world records and drawing global attention—both for her extraordinary talent and the political controversies that surrounded her.

With her curled hair bouncing and feet unclad, she became a symbol of raw athleticism. But beyond the iconic 1984 Olympic collision with Mary Decker, Budd’s life is rich with achievement, resilience, and impact.

In a recent interview with Jacaranda FM, Budd revealed that she simply found spikes uncomfortable, and that as a child, her parents didn’t always have the means to buy the best running gear. Her early races were often on grass or dirt tracks, which suited her barefoot style perfectly.

Here are 10 essential insights into her story.

1. Born to Run: Bloemfontein Beginnings

Born on 26 May 1966 in Bloemfontein, Budd grew up running alongside her sister Jenny, joining school competitions early and establishing herself as a standout junior athlete.

2. Breaking Records – Twice Over

At just 17, she unofficially broke the 5,000 m world record in apartheid-era South Africa in 1984. After switching allegiance, she officially reclaimed it in 1985, clocking an astonishing 14:48.07 while representing Great Britain.

3. The Barefoot Running Icon

Her distinctive barefoot style wasn’t gimmicky—it grew from training. Scientists affirm that barefoot runners land more gently and avoid heavy heel strikes, and Budd leveraged this advantage throughout her career.

4. The Infamous 1984 Olympic Clash

At the Los Angeles Olympics, Budd collided with US hopeful Mary Decker in the 3,000 m final. Though the IAAF cleared her of blame, the crowd jeered, and she finished seventh. The moment remains etched in Olympic lore.

5. World Cross Country Champion

Budd clinched back-to-back titles at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 1985 and 1986, again running barefoot to victory.

6. Citizenship Controversy

Aided by the Daily Mail and a British-born grandfather, Budd swiftly gained UK citizenship in 1984—an unprecedented acceleration that stirred political debate and facilitated her Olympic qualification.

7. Return to South Africa

After representing Great Britain, she returned home in 1988. Budd competed for South Africa at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and continued to post world-class times in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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8. A Running Career Beyond the Track

In her 40s, she conquered ultra‑marathons including the Comrades Marathon (sixth place in 2014) and Two Oceans. She also won her age category in the 2014 Charleston Marathon with a time of 2:59:42.

9. Mentor, Coach, Scholar

Budd earned a BA from UNISA in 2002, later completing postgraduate studies in pastoral psychology and education administration. She has coached at Coastal Carolina University and currently guides athletes in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

10. Enduring Legacy

In South Africa, her name became slang for speedy taxi minibus—“Zola Budd”—earning her iconic status. Today, she’s a vocal advocate for balanced training, mentoring youth to focus on growth over prize money.

Zola Budd is more than the barefoot teen who shocked the world. She’s a multi‑record‑setter, a resilient competitor through setbacks and politics, and a mentor shaping the next generation. Her story blends athletic brilliance, political complexity, and personal transformation—affirming her place among running’s most captivating figures.