The 1982 European Championships in Athens hosted the first ever women’s marathon, an event that saw Rosa Maria Correia dos Santos Mota emerge from underdog status to secure a gold medal. This performance launched a career defined by durability, as she claimed 14 victories across 21 marathon races contested between 1982 and 1992.
Early Development and Training
Born in 1958 in the Foz Velha neighbourhood of Porto, Portugal, Mota participated in cross-country racing during her high school years despite enduring childhood struggles with asthma and sciatica. In 1980, she initiated a long-term professional partnership with José Pedrosa, who served as her personal trainer throughout her entire competitive career.
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Mota became the first Portuguese woman to secure Olympic gold, adding to a trophy cabinet that included world and European titles. She holds the distinction of being the only woman to simultaneously reign as European, World, and Olympic champion. Her tactical acumen was notably displayed at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she launched a decisive attack two kilometres from the finish line to beat silver medalist Lisa Martin by 13 seconds.
Longevity and Later Career
Her marathon career included two victories in Chicago, where she set a personal best of 2:23:29 in 1985. She also achieved three wins at the Boston Marathon and success in the 1991 London Marathon. Following her professional retirement, she served as a member of the Assembly of the Republic in 1995. In recent years, she returned to competition, winning the Macau mini-marathon four times between 2018 and 2024 and setting age-group records in the 10,000m.
Recognitions and Institutional Roles
Throughout her career, Mota received numerous state honours, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Portugal and the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry. She was named the greatest female marathon runner of all time at an AIMS gala and received the Abebe Bikila Award in 1998 for her contributions to long-distance training development.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 June 1958, Porto, Portugal
- Olympic Gold Medal: 1988, Seoul
- Personal Best: 2:23:29, 1985 Chicago Marathon
- Political Office: Member of the Assembly of the Republic, 1995
- Awards: Silver Olympic Order (2000)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Merit: 1988
- Career span: 21 marathons (1982–1992)
Questions readers ask
Did Rosa Mota win multiple Olympic medals?
Yes, she was the first woman to win multiple medals in the Olympic marathon.
Is Rosa Mota involved in rowing?
While records note her in the context of sports figures, her competitive career is defined by long-distance running rather than rowing.
