Benoit Samuelson, Citing Injuries, Withdraws From NYC Marathon

Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist and the American record-holder for the women’s marathon, withdrew today from Sunday’s New York City Marathon because of back and leg injuries.

“It’s very disappointing, because I had been focusing on the race for so long,” she said by telephone from her home in Freeport, Me.

Samuelson said she made her decision today after experiencing discomfort during a six-mile run.

“It was a struggle,” she said.

Samuelson, 33, emphasized that this was not the end of her running career.

“I have no idea when I will be able to run again, but there will be another marathon, for sure,” she said.