Madonna Buder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sister
Madonna Buder
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Sister Madonna Buder wins the Women 75+ age division at Ironman Canada
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Marie Dorothy Buder
July 24, 1930 St. Louis, Missouri,
United States |
| Education | Visitation Academy of St. Louis |
| Alma mater | Washington University in St. Louis |
| Occupation | Former Religious sister, triathlete |
| Years active | 1952 - present |
| Employer | Sisters for Christian Community |
Madonna Buder, also known as the Iron Nun, is an amazing American athlete. She is a triathlete and a former religious sister. Born Marie Dorothy Buder on July 24, 1930, she holds a world record. She is the oldest woman to ever finish an Ironman Triathlon. She achieved this incredible feat at age 82 in 2012.
Contents
Early Life and Religious Journey
Marie Dorothy Buder was born in St. Louis, Missouri. This was on July 24, 1930. She went to an all-girls Catholic school. Later, she studied at Washington University in St. Louis. At 23, she joined a convent.
In 1970, she decided to join a new group. This group was called the Sisters for Christian Community. It was a modern religious order. This group allowed her to choose her own way of life. It also let her choose her own work.
Triathlon Adventures
Sister Madonna Buder started training at age 48. A priest told her it could help her mind, body, and spirit. It also brought her peace. She finished her first triathlon when she was 52. Her first Ironman race was at age 55. She has been competing ever since!
Breaking Records at Ironman Races
In 2005, at age 75, the Iron Nun made history. She became the oldest woman to finish the Hawaii Ironman. She completed the race just before the 17-hour time limit. The next year, in 2006, she did it again! At 76, she was still the oldest woman to finish.
She faced challenges too. In 2008, she almost finished an Ironman race in Canada. She missed the cut-off time by just a few seconds. But she didn't give up! In 2009, she completed the Ironman Canada. She was 79 years old. This broke her own record! The Ironman organization even had to create new age groups for her.
Becoming the Oldest Ironman Finisher
Sister Buder wanted to open an 80+ age category. She also wanted to be the oldest person, male or female, to finish an Ironman. She achieved this goal in 2012. At age 82, she finished the Subaru Ironman Canada. She set a new world record for age. She beat the previous record holder, Lew Hollander. He was 81 when he finished his race. Sister Buder finished her race in 16 hours and 32 minutes.
In 2014, Sister Buder received a special honor. She was inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame. This recognized her amazing achievements.
Books and Appearances
On October 5, 2010, Sister Buder released her book. It is called The Grace to Race: The Wisdom and Inspiration of the 80-Year-Old World Champion Triathlete Known as the Iron Nun.
In 2016, she was featured in a commercial. It was for Nike, Inc. The ad was shown during the Summer Olympic Games.
See also
In Spanish: Madonna Buder para niños
