Benita Johnson wins the 2008 Freihofer's Run for Women (© Jeff Foley - www.JeffFoley.com)
If grit is determined by how well a person rebounds from personal setbacks, then Australia's Benita Willis (Johnson) is a running example.
The three-time champion Freihofer's Run for Women - IAAF Silver Label Road Race - has spent the last two years overcoming a spate of injuries and personal challenges that would likely have somebody with lesser resolve ready to throw in the towel.
But there's a new Benita Willis in town. The three-time Olympian (‘00, 5000m; '04, 10000m; '08, marathon) and former World Cross County champion is eager and excited to take on the challengers at the 32nd edition of the Freihofer's Run for Women on Saturday 5 June at 10 a.m. in downtown Albany, N.Y.
"I am very excited about my future," said Willis. "I am much more confident within myself and feel stronger emotionally for having experienced such tough times personally these last few years."
Moments after winning the 2008 Freihofer's Run for Women, Willis learned that her father passed away from a rare neurological disorder. She credits him for being a huge source of inspiration to her throughout her life.
"He was so strong and dedicated to our family -- raising myself and three other siblings extremely well, plus being the most amazing husband, teacher and friend to everyone in our whole community back home," recalled Willis.
The same year Willis's father passed away, Willis's marriage came to an end. She then suffered from a bout of injuries, which saw her race standings tumble. Upon her return to Freihofer's in 2009, Willis was poised to tie Lynn Jennings' record of four consecutive wins, but she fell off pace early and placed sixth.
True to her nature, Willis made no excuses, graciously thanked the crowd for their support and vowed to do her best next time.
And what a difference a year can make.
On the road to recovery, Willis placed 2nd at the Great Australian Run in November and received a huge psychological boost at the World Cross Country Championships last month, placing 17th against the top runners in the world.
"I've been able to remain injury-free since this time last year," maintained Willis. "I feel that this has been a tribute to the fact that I am feeling much happier within myself.”
Willis continues to draw on the memory of her father.
"I think about him everyday, but don't feel sad anymore," she said. "Instead, I feel happy knowing how much he wants me to be happy, whilst achieving my goals and living life to the full. As that is what he always did. I guess I have come a long way in a year!"
The only 5 km road race in America to hold the IAAF's "Silver" Label designation, the Freihofer's Run for Women offers $27,000 in prize money.
Edward Parham (organisers) for the IAAF
