Susan Butcher was not the first woman to win the Iditarod, that honor belongs to Libby Riddles who won in 1985. Butcher had to pull out of the race that year when, despite her efforts to fend it off, a pregnant moose killed two of her dogs and injured six others. No, Susan Butcher didn't win that race, but she did win in 1986, 1987, 1988 and again in 1990.
She was the first to win the Iditarod in three consecutive years, the first to win it four times in five years, and the second to win it four times. (Rick Swenson was the first to win four races. He has since added a fifth victory.) Starting in 1986, she finished in the top five 12 consecutive years, a feat that has not been duplicated. She flat out dominated the Iditarod for that period.
Sadly, Susan Butcher passed away in August of 2006 having suffered from acute myelogenous leukemia and complications from a bone marrow transplant. She was just 51 years of age.
4 comments:
There are many, many young women in Alaska who look up to Susan Butcher as a role model. Indeed, they could do far worse. She was, by all accounts, an amazing person who happened to be female. (Her husband is a pretty good guy, too, but that's another story.)
Dad-gumit! I meant to post this tomorrow morning. SUNDAY is Susan Butcher Day. I guess I messed up on setting the timer.
There could be far worse role models. She was a classy lady all the way.
I was a tremendous fan of hers and was much saddened when she passed away. If I could grow up to be one tenth like her....
Thank you for this wonderful memorial to Susan Butcher. What an example of spirit she was!
Finally cooled off here (was 76 yesterday and hot while sitting watching Spring Training) and we have a nice rain with 56degree temp. I even have my screen open since the rain holds the air particulates down!I guess I better call Mom to see what's going on in your neck of the woods. Have a great week!
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