SHE was the barefoot Olympian whose running battle with her American rival captivated a generation of track and field fans.
And now long-distance expert Zola Budd will tread the track at the Stirling Marathon alongside Scotland's greatest-ever distance runner Liz McColgan.
Zola, now known as Zola Pieterse, was born in South Africa but ran for Great Britain, and is a former world record holder over 5,000 metres.
The 50-year-old is best remembered for the 1984 Olympic 3,000 metre final in Los Angeles, in which US world champion Mary Decker tripped and fell after coming into contact with one of Zola's legs.
The home crowd's hostile reaction so unnerved the 18-year-old runner that she could only finish seventhAlthough she was entirely blameless, it was a story that occupied the headlines for days to come.
Zola, who now lives in the USA, said: "Having heard about the event, I immediately accepted the invitation. I love distance running and this will be a new challenge.”
“I have heard great things about Scotland and the route sounds both unusual and interesting. It will be quite an experience to start in a safari park"
The story has been retold in a documentary called The Fall: Decker vs Budd that will be aired on July 29, in which Zola and Mary are reunited to share their experiences of the day.
Zola competed for Great Britain in the 1984 Olympics and went on to represent her home nation South Africa in the subsequent two Games. Her career highlights also include winning the World Cross Country Championships in 1985.
After retiring from international competition, Zola has competed in marathons and the 56-mile Comrades ultra-marathon on two occasions.
Organised by the Great Run Company, the Stirling Scottish Marathon will be the first event to be staged in the newly formed Great Run British Marathon Series.
The event, supported by Stirling Council, Stirling University, and Scottish Athletics, will start west of the city at Blair Drummond Safari Park, with the giraffes and elephants looking on.
The route then incorporates the breath-taking Stirlingshire countryside and historic landmarks including Doune Castle and Bridge of Allan before finishing beneath the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle.
The Stirling Scottish Marathon will be followed by the Birmingham International Marathon which will be staged on October 15, 2017, with a third marathon in the series set to be unveiled in the near future.
Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd said: “This is absolutely fantastic news and a real vote of confidence in The Great Run Company’s Stirling Scottish Marathon.
“Known and admired around the world Zola Budd is a true sporting icon and I’m the sure the whole of Stirling is looking forward to welcoming her next May.
“With Scottish running legend Liz McColgan previously confirmed to take part Stirling’s marathon really is shaping up to be one of the must-see sports events of 2017.”
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