Wendy Koenig-Knudson

A middle distance runner, Wendy Koenig competed seven times for the United States in international dual meets. She was a three-time AIAW Champion, in 1975 in the 880 yards, and in 1976 at both 800 and 1,500 metres. Koenig also won three AAU titles, outdoors in the 1973 880 and in 1976 in the 1,500, and indoors in the 1979 800. On 24 March 1973, she set one of the very early world records for the 400 hurdles with 59.08, the first woman to run the event under one minute. Koenig ran for Colorado State University, and competed at the 1972 Olympics as Wendy Koenig and the 1976 Olympics as Wendy Knudson. As Wendy Knudson she also set what is considered the inaugural US record in the women’s decathlon, in 1977.

Personal Bests: 440y – 54.60 (1975); 800 – 1:59.91 (1976); 1500 – 4:21.80 (1976); Mile – 4:47.7i (1976); 3000 – 9:49.0 (1976); 2 Miles – 10:34.0 (1976); 100H – 14.8 (1971); 400H – 59.08 (1973); HJ – 5-5 [1.65] (1974); LJ – 19-10¾i [6.06] (1979); Pen - 4167 (1971).