Posted at 8:29 p.m., Monday, July 2, 2007
Running: Salazar suffered heart attack; status upgraded
Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. — Alberto Salazar, the former champion marathoner who collapsed over the weekend, had his condition upgraded today from serious to fair.A cardiologist at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center said tests now indicate that Salazar had a heart attack while coaching distance runners Saturday at the Nike campus outside Portland, said Lisa Helderop, a hospital spokeswoman.
Salazar, who is alert and talking with his family, told a doctor at the hospital that he has a family history of heart conditions, Helderop said.
Salazar released a statement today thanking Nike employees, Oregon residents and the athletic community for their concern and support.
"I look forward to returning to life as a father, coach and trainer as soon as possible," he said.
Salazar, a University of Oregon graduate, won the New York City Marathon three straight years (1980-82) and the 1982 Boston Marathon. He has set six U.S. records and one world record. He is a longtime Nike employee and consultant who trains elite distance runners and has a building named for him on campus.
