From the surface, it appeared that American long-distance runner Kara Goucher was on high of the world. After medaling on the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, securing her place on the 2008 U.S. Olympic crew, and ending high three on the New York Metropolis Marathon, Goucher was at her profession peak.
She was a part of the Oregon Undertaking, an elite, Nike-sponsored skilled coaching crew coached by working legend Alberto Salazar. Her picture appeared on billboards, in malls, and on the perimeters of buses all around the United States.
Behind the scenes, although, Goucher was struggling emotional and sexual abuse by the hands of Salazar, which left her remoted and afraid. She was additionally witnessing the questionable if not outright unlawful use of medicines and different substances by sure teammates, directed by Salazar and different Oregon Undertaking employees.
When she and her husband (additionally a former Oregon Undertaking athlete) determined to start out a household, she was assured by Nike executives that her contract could be safe throughout her being pregnant so long as she stayed “related” by collaborating in media interviews, photograph shoots, and different occasions. But Nike suspended her pay on account of what they termed her “medical situation” that stored her from competing.
It will take years for Goucher to summon the braveness to talk out about her personal abuse and the doping she noticed. Her testimonies towards Salazar and Nike between 2018 and 2021 — first to the U.S. Anti-Doping Company (USADA) after which to the U.S. Middle for SafeSport, concerning sexual and emotional misconduct — contributed to Salazar’s lifetime ban from teaching USA Monitor and Subject athletics. She tells her story in a 2023 memoir, The Longest Race.
Now 46, Goucher is retired from racing however serves on the board of the USADA and as a commentator for distance working for NBC Sports activities. She additionally hosts the No person Requested Us podcast with fellow runner Des Linden, on which the duo talk about “all issues working.”
We caught up with Goucher to study extra about her journey from elite competitor to advocate for girls athletes and clear sport.
Q&A With Kara Goucher
Expertise Life | In your e book, you describe struggles with self-confidence going again to highschool — and the way that left you susceptible as a younger athlete on the Oregon Undertaking.
Kara Goucher | From a younger age, I used to be actually pushed and a little bit of a perfectionist, however I by no means was the very best at something. The time period “imposter syndrome” wasn’t one thing we talked about then, however that was me to a T. I’d line up on the beginning line and assume, I’m fooling everybody that I belong right here.
The Oregon Undertaking was a males’s crew, and at first I assumed I ought to simply be grateful to be there. We had limitless sources from Nike, and it was intoxicating to be a part of that group, to have that exclusivity.
As a result of my dad died after I was very younger, I used to be at all times in search of some form of male steerage in my life, and I turned to Alberto. I additionally had the power to push away issues that harm me, whether or not bodily or emotionally. All of this set me as much as be taken benefit of.
EL | But you overcame your fears to inform your story on a really public stage. How did you construct up the braveness to do that?
KG | It was a gradual burn, lastly deciding to testify towards Alberto for USADA’s investigation after which for SafeSport. What drove me to put in writing the e book, although, was that there have been high-profile individuals writing about me who spoke with authority towards me however who had by no means met me. I used to be by no means quoted. I used to be by no means requested.
I obtained so pissed off that the story being informed about me wasn’t actual. I needed to inform my story the place no person may minimize me off. I needed it in my very own phrases so I may transfer on and have peace.
EL | Your loved ones wasn’t conscious of the abuse till you determined to blow the whistle. As you look again, what did you study from this expertise?
KG | My household liked me earlier than I ran, they usually love me simply as a lot now, after I don’t run [competitively]. I believe I needed to guard them from what was occurring as a result of I knew how a lot they simply needed me to be glad.
I’ve discovered that while you’re all in on one thing, whether or not it’s your job, sport, music, or no matter, typically you lose observe of who you’re. If you’re mendacity in your deathbed, you’re now not a runner or a musician — that’s simply one thing you pursued and labored at. You’re all of the moments in between with your loved ones, all of the reminiscences with your folks who confirmed up for you and who you confirmed up for. That’s who you actually are.
EL | You’ve got written and spoken concerning the function of remedy in your life. How has remedy helped you heal?
KG | It’s so vital to have the ability to be susceptible sufficient to speak about issues. My husband and I’ve been in marriage counseling, not as a result of we would like a divorce however as a result of so many issues occurred to us, and it’s useful to speak about them with a impartial get together. There’s a lot energy in releasing issues that really feel like secrets and techniques, that you just’re ashamed of, that you just really feel embarrassed about. Releasing these in secure areas eliminates the ability they’ve on you, and also you begin to regain your individual energy.
EL | In 2022, you had been identified with focal dystonia [a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle reactions] in your decrease left leg. How are you doing?
KG | I’ve repetitive motion dystonia, which suggests my mind wires typically get tripped up. After I do a movement I’ve performed repeatedly, like working, as an alternative of simply contracting the muscle tissue I would like to try this movement, each muscle from my knee down contracts.
It’s been arduous as a result of working has been my launch. Typically I even have issues strolling, and I’ve to make use of a cane on days when it’s actually unhealthy. I get Botox therapies 4 occasions a yr, which helps. At the moment was day: I met a good friend to run three miles, and we ended up working seven. When I’ve days which are good, I benefit from them.
EL | Over your profession, you may have put your self on the market as an elite athlete, an creator, a commentator, a podcaster, and an advocate for clear sport. How do you see your self now?
KG | I by no means noticed myself as a pacesetter, however I believe there’s a form of quiet management that comes with being snug with who you’re, with taking dangers, and with doing one thing outdoors the construction you’ve at all times been in. I believe that’s the place I’m in my life now — I’m exploring issues I like, and I’m not attempting to be good. Some issues have been nice, and a few issues haven’t been. I simply wish to be who I’m, and it’s a very nice place to be in my life.
This text initially appeared as “Working Robust” within the July/August 2025 subject of Expertise Life. Photographer: Andy Anderson.
