Larrieu, Francie (1952–)

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Larrieu, Francie (1952–)

American runner. Name variations: Francie Larrieu Smith or Larrieu-Smith. Born Francie Larrieu, Nov 23, 1952, in San Francisco Bay area; sister of Ron Larrieu (Olympian 10,000-meter runner); attended University of California, Los Angeles; m. 2nd husband Jimmy C. Smith (exercise physiologist).

Once considered the greatest middle-distance runner in US history, broke world records in the mile, 2 miles, 100, 1,500, and 3,000 meters; competed in 3 Olympics: Munich 1972 (youngest member of track-and-field squad), Seoul 1988, and Barcelona 1992 (flag bearer for US Olympic Team); in a 30-year career, set 36 US records and 12 World records. Inducted into National Track and Field Hall of Fame and Texas Women's Hall of Fame.

See also Women in World History.