MINNEAPOLIS — Once a Division II college track walk-on, Dakotah Lindwurm is heading to Paris. The marathon runner will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics alongside Fiona O'Keeffe, and Emily Sisson representing Team USA.
Lindwurm's relentless will to not give up is inspiring and the reason why she's competing with the greatest athletes in the world.
"A lot of people saw Dakotah's finish [at Olympic Trials] and were like, 'Where did she come from!' but she's really been progressing year after year," Lindwurm's coach, Chris Lindstrom said.
This positive outlook is inherited from her mother and her strong work ethic she claims mimics her dad. Lindwurm wasn't a child prodigy athlete and some say she wasn't naturally gifted. The 28-year-old has worked for every ounce of success she's earned leading her to the world's biggest stage.
"When I am in the middle of a long run and I am struggling, I know I have been through a lot harder and I can get through anything," Lindwurm said.
She overcame large personal hurdles in her journey toward her goal of competing on the biggest stage, including a time in childhood when she was homeless with her mom.
"Those moments were hard, but I created some of the best memories with my mom during that time," Lindwurm said.
Her parents divorced when she was young. Her mom, Connie Bullen, was struggling with undiagnosed autoimmune disorders at the time, which led to financial struggles and the two needing to sleep in her car.
Lindwurm's dad, Shawn Bullen, found out and bought the family a townhome to share. Connie had one level, and he lived on the other. Despite the divorce, Dakotah grew up with her parents under the same roof.
"It never surprised me because they both cared about me so deeply so I can't imagine parents not making that decision when it is right for their children, I guess," Lindwurm said.
"She's got a big role in getting me into running. She was the reason I joined a different sport so I wish she could have been here to see all that come to fruition."
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