by Jeff Benjamin
Francie Larrieu on cover of RW book of month, circa 1974
Francie Larrieu was an athlete of amazing breath and stature. From 1972 to 1992, ( Olympic teams in 1972, 1976, 1980, 1988 and 1992), from 1,500m to the marathon, she was, well amazing. This is Jeff Benjamin’s salute to the famous Cindergal from San Jose!
Francie Larrieu Hall of Fame
By Jeff Benjamin
A 5-Time Olympian!
The Flag-bearer for the United States Olympic Team at the 1992 Olympic Opening Ceremonies!
A racing career, from 800 meters up to the marathon which spanned 4 decades!
It’s no wonder that Francie Larrieu is among other legends who will be inducted this upcoming Thursday evening at the New York Athletic Club into the National High School Track & Field Hall of Fame.
“There was no high school girls teams back then,” recalled Larrieu. “It never occurred to me that in those pre-TitleX days that I lacked opportunities because I was a girl….it was difficult to find something.”
But that didn’t stop her, as running was definitely in her blood. “Even as a kid I was the fastest kid in my neighborhood, boy or girl, and I had drive.”
That drive was no doubt also inspired by the performances of her older brother. Ron Larrieu was not only an outstanding prep athlete, winning the Mile at the California State meet in 1956, but an Olympian as well.
“My brother ran in the 10K in Tokyo in 1964,” recalls Larrieu, noting that the field included USA teammates Gerry Lindgren and surprise Gold Medalist Billy Mills. “Although he was older than me, we went to many of his meets and once I turned to my Dad and said, “That’s what I want to do – go to the Olympics.”
Eventually joining at age 13 the San Jose Cindergals – One of the earliest top girls track teams under the coaching of Augie Argabright – ” I was lucky to be living in neighborhood” – Larrieu launched one of the Sport’s greatest careers.
In High School, Larrieu got sterling advice from Santa Valley Girls Track Coach Preston Doss. “He was instrumental in teaching me the importance of pacing.”
Those combinations during her developmental years led Larrieu, beginning at 17, to launch a stellar career consisting of 21 National Championships, 13 world indoor records and 35 American records!
“I’m thrilled that Francie is being recognized for her accomplishments,” said Cindergals teammate Jackie Marsh, from a team which also included top miler Cyndy Poor. “We must have run thousands of miles together…it was a great honor to run with her back when we were teenagers and she had a major impact on my life.”
Marsh excelled as well, as she was the first winner of Fred Lebow’s “Crazy Leggs” 1972 mini- marathon, which was the first women’s-only road race in the United States and would eventually become the NYRR New York Mini 10K, held with the world’s best women alongside a field of thousands annually.
“That rare combination of work ethic and talents was rare,” said Marsh, who nowadays serves as the Mayor of Loveland, Colorado. ” It was heartbreaking to see women with talent not have the work ethic and the drive but Francie did and she was determined and while we lacked financial services and went to school and worked part-time we also ran and ran because we loved it and I think it made us tougher!”
As for Larrieu’s greatest recollections?
“Wow, there are so many,” said Larrieu.
Breaking them down:
“I’d say marching in my first Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies in Munich in 1972.”
“Finishing 5th in the 10K at the 1988 Olympics and walking off the track in Seoul knowing that I had finally given it all I had.”
“Carrying the American flag as the team flag-bearer in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1992 Olympic Games- It was so unexpected!”
As for advice for young runners, Larrieu, who also would coach cross country and track at Southwestern University in Georgetown Texas, offered the following;
“Believe in your Coach and in the process of day-to-day training….
You have to learn to deal with failure…
Learn from the moment!…
Don’t allow yourself to not reach your goals…
In races don’t worry about your competitors…
Just say to yourself,
“I CAN COMPETE!”
