Linda Somers

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameLinda•Somers (-Smith)
Used nameLinda•Somers
Born7 May 1961 in Bitburg, Rheinland-Pfalz (GER)
Measurements163 cm / 46 kg
AffiliationsAsics International
NOC United States

Biography

Although born in Germany on Bitburg Air Base, Linda Somers ran for the United States, finishing 31st in the marathon at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Somers was USA Champion in the marathon in 1993-94 and finished second in 1989, also finishing second in 1996 when it doubled as the Olympic Trials. She competed at the 1995 World Championships, finishing 7th. Somers ran in seven US Olympic marathon trials from 1984-2012. She continued running in masters’ competition, and set several age group world records.

Somers ran in college at U Cal Davis, graduating in 1983 with a degree in economics. She had not run track in high school, playing tennis instead, but started running as a freshman at Davis to stay in shape for tennis. She later went to law school at Davis, eventually practicing general business and real estate law.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-30:06 (1996).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1996 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Linda Somers
Marathon, Women (Olympic) 31