Gabriele Grunewald facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gabriele Grunewald

Grunewald in 2016
Personal information
Birth name	Gabriele Ivy Anderson
Born	(1986-06-25)June 25, 1986 Perham, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	June 11, 2019(2019-06-11) (aged 32) Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Height	5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m)
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Athletics
Event(s)	800 m, 1500 m, Mile run, 3000 m, 5000 m
College team	University of Minnesota Golden Gophers
Club	Brooks
Turned pro	2010
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	800 m: 2:01.38 1500 m: 4:01.48 Mile: 4:27.94 3000 m: 8:42.64 5000 m: 15:19.01

Gabriele Ivy Grunewald (born Anderson; June 25, 1986 – June 11, 2019) was an American professional runner. She was known for her incredible strength and spirit. Gabriele competed in middle-distance races, from 800 meters to 5000 meters. She represented the United States in major championships. In 2014, she finished ninth in the 3000 meters at the World Indoor Championships. She was also the national champion in the 3000 meters that same year.

Early Life and College Running

Gabriele Grunewald was born in Perham, Minnesota. Her parents were Kim and Laura Anderson. She loved running from a young age.

Gabriele went to the University of Minnesota. There, she was a star athlete. In 2010, she placed second nationally in the 1500 meters. This was at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Gabriele's Professional Running Career

Gabriele became a professional runner in 2010. She signed a contract with Brooks Sports, a well-known sports company.

• In 2011, she earned third place nationally. This was for the mile run, both indoors and outdoors.
• She almost made the Olympic team in 2012. She placed fourth in the 1500 meters at the Olympic Trials. She missed it by just one spot!

Becoming a National Champion

In 2014, Gabriele became the USA Indoor 3000 meter champion. This was a huge achievement. There was a brief moment when she was disqualified. This happened after another runner's coach appealed. But the appeal was later withdrawn. Gabriele was then officially named the champion. This win also earned her a spot at the World Championships. She finished ninth there, which was a great result.

Running Through Challenges

Gabriele continued to compete at a high level. She placed third at the 2016 USATF 1 Mile Road Championships. She also competed in the 2016 Olympic Trials.

Her final professional race was in 2017. She ran the 1500 meters at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. It was a very hot day, over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Gabriele had just gone through chemotherapy treatments. She also had a fever just days before the race. Despite all this, she bravely competed. This showed her amazing courage and determination.

Gabriele's Personal Life

In 2013, Gabriele married Justin Grunewald. He is a doctor. They first met when they were both students at the University of Minnesota.

In 2017, a documentary film called Gabe was released. It was about Gabriele's journey. The film showed her fight against cancer. It also highlighted her efforts to qualify for the 2017 World Championships.

Her Brave Fight Against Illness

Gabriele was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2009. It was called adenoid cystic carcinoma. She had several surgeries over the years. These included removing a salivary gland and her thyroid. In 2016, she had a large tumor removed from her liver.

In 2017, the cancer returned. Doctors found several small tumors in her liver. Even with these challenges, Gabriele kept running. She inspired many people with her strength.

In 2018, Gabriele started an organization. It is called Brave Like Gabe. The goal of this group is to fund research for rare cancers. It also helps to raise awareness about these diseases. They organize local races to support their mission.

Gabriele Grunewald passed away on June 11, 2019. She was just two weeks shy of her 33rd birthday. Her legacy of bravery and determination continues to inspire people around the world.

Gabriele's Best Running Times

Here are some of Gabriele's fastest times in different races:

See also

• Sportspeople who died during their careers
• List of people from Minneapolis
• List of people from Minnesota