Photo: NRJ—CC BY-SA 3.0
Zola Budd
- Born
- May 26, 1966 (60 years old)
- Birthplace
- Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Events
- 3000 m · Mile
- Height
- 1.64 m
- Weight
- 48 kg
Zola Budd (also known as Zola Pieterse; born 26 May 1966) is a South African middle-distance and long-distance runner. She competed at the 1984 Olympic Games for Great Britain and the 1992 Olympic Games for South Africa, both times in the 3000 metres. In 1984 (unratified) and 1985, she broke the world record in the 5000 metres.
She was also a two-time winner at the World Cross Country Championships (1985–1986). Budd mainly trained and raced barefoot. Her mile best of 4:17.57 in 1985 stood as the British record for 38 years until Laura Muir ran 4:15.24 on 21 July 2023.
She returned to South Africa in 1989, and represented South Africa at the 1992 Summer Olympics. She moved with her family to South Carolina, USA in 2008; and competed at marathons and ultramarathons. She moved back to South Africa in 2020–2021.
As of Nov 6, 2026: 3000 m 8:28.83 (#78 all-time), Mile 4:17.57, 2017 season best 37:30.84 (Mar 18, 2017, Charlotte, NC (USA)) · 60 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10000m | 37:30.84 | – | Mar 18, 2017 | Charlotte, NC (USA) |
| 2016 | 10000m | 38:38.35 | – | Mar 17, 2016 | Conway Alan Connie Shamrock Invitational |
| 2013 | 10Kilometr | 36:43 | – | Jun 29, 2013 | George (RSA) |
| 2013 | 15Kilometr | 58:21 | – | Jan 13, 2013 | Durbanville (RSA) |
| 2013 | Semi | 1:24:07 | – | Jan 13, 2013 | Bedfordview (RSA) |
| 2012 | 10000m | 36:44.88 | – | Mar 9, 2012 | Myrtle Beach, SC (USA) |
| 2012 | 10Kilometr | 36:48 | – | Oct 13, 2012 | Pretoria (RSA) |
| 2012 | 15Kilometr | 59:20 | – | Jan 25, 2012 | Durbanville (RSA) |