Long-distance legend Joan Benoit Samuelson is not resting on her laurels and is now targeting a race with her granddaughter after completing the 2022 TCS London Marathon with her daughter.

The American, who won the first-ever women’s Olympic marathon in Los Angeles in 1984 (the men’s marathon had been on the Olympic programme since 1896), finished in London this year in 3:20:20, just behind daughter Abby.

The TCS London Marathon was Benoit Samuelson’s first marathon since Berlin 2019, but the 65-year-old put in a typically impressive display through the streets of the capital.

And she praised Abby for getting her around the course, but says she is now looking towards the future and the next generation of the family.

“It really is an accomplishment to finish today because I haven’t raced since 2019,” said Benoit Samuelson, a winner of six marathons between 1979 and 1985.

“For me, now, it’s about storytelling. I did it today for my daughter Abby, who was also racing, which was a real pleasure. She may have beaten me with my replacement knee, but everybody said I wouldn’t do it! I will never say never.

“I am a grandmother now to Charlotte and it’s my goal to run 5K with her. That is my desire.”

Benoit Samuelson is aiming to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors series of races – made up of marathons in New York City, Chicago, Boston, London, Berlin and Tokyo – with only Tokyo outstanding in her bid for the coveted Six Star medal.

And following her fast time in London, she’s now looking for the next challenge while accepting the distance isn’t getting any easier.

“I’m happy to finish this race and make it to Tokyo, but I did it today on a wing and a prayer. It’s 38 years after the 1984 Olympics.

“I’m blessed to have longevity in this sport. It doesn’t owe me anything, but I feel I owe my sport.”