Olympian and SHS alum, Maria Mutola visits former school

Students and staff at Springfield High School (SHS) had their summer school routines briefly interrupted by a special guest, track legend and Olympian, Maria de Lurdes Mutola.

Mutola was honored during the 50th Prefontaine Classic, celebrated on July 5 at Hayward Field in Eugene. This is the first year that the women’s 800m race was named the Mutola 800m. 

Mutola won 16 races at the Prefontaine Classic during her career, and 12 of those wins came in the 800M. She holds the lead for most wins at the Prefontaine Classic of all time, with 16.

Originally from Mozambique, Mutola competed for her home country in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul at the age of 15. In 1990, she moved to Oregon as part of the Olympic Solidarity Program. SHS was her host school, due to the fact that there was a Portuguese-speaking staff member (since Mutola spoke no English) working in the District. 

During her time at SHS (1991-93), Mutola was an official English Language Development (ELD) and international student. At the time she was assisted by former ELD teacher, Linda Wheatley and her coach was the late Luiz de Oliveira, a world-renowned 800-meter coach from Brazil.

While in town to be honored at the Prefontaine Classic, she decided to take a tour of SHS, reminisce with old friends and see the many ways he former high school has changed over the years.

“For me coming back after so many years has been very emotional—it has been impressive seeing all the changes... This is the place where my career began, this where I met my coach, made friends from different countries and the U.S. as well,” said Mutola. “Thanks to this track, this program and this school, I can be here as an Olympic champion.”

Mutola relocated back to South Africa in the 1990s, but was still coached by Margo Jennings, her high school coach while running for the Millers. 
Mutola went on to win gold in the 800m race during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She has three World Athletics Championships titles to her name in the same event, and holds seven World Athletics Indoor Championships gold medals. Her 1999 run of 2:30.94 over 1000m still stands as the 1000m Short Track world record.

“I hope one day a student comes through this school and will also become an Olympic Champion,” said Mutola.

Despite being retired, Mutola spends her time training groups of athletes in South Africa and Mozambique. During her tour of SHS, Mutola recorded the different programs to share with children and students in Africa.

Pictured above: Olympian and Prefontaine Classic legend, Maria Mutola strikes a pose on the brand-new SHS blue track at Silke Field. The former SHS track star also visited the school's library, ELD classrooms, gym, and CTE workshops, all the while filming her tour to later share the experience with children and fans in Africa.