Fast Taxis

[Double R Bar]

Our birthday athlete for today (Wednesday) turns 44 years old. This particular athlete broke world records, was a world champion, however never won an Olympic medal.

Here are some words that are associated with this track and field athlete. Maybe you can put the words together and figure out who this birthday athlete is.

Mike, Taxis, South Carolina, Lisa, Claudia, Mary, and Barefoot.

[Daisy]

Re: Fast Taxis

I know this! Maybe easier for the Brits among us?

[Powell]

Re: Fast Taxis

Zola Budd

[Daisy]

Re: Fast Taxis

Zola Budd

That's what i think too, although not all the clues make sense to me.

What is the connection with Mike, Lisa and Claudia? Possibly husband and kids?

[Double R Bar]

Re: Fast Taxis

Very good, Powell. It is Zola Budd who was born on this day 44 years ago. Mike is her husband. Her two girls are Lisa and Claudia and of course, Mary Decker Slaney made Budd even more famous in August of 1984. Zola and her family live in South Carolina and I believe she still runs in Masters races.
In her native South Africa, there are taxis called "Zola Budd" taxis because they advertise that they go fast like Budd (not Frank Budd).
Happy birthday today to Zola Budd (also famous because she ran so many races without shoes).
Nice job Daisy. You were on the right track!