“God Had Other Plans”: Paris Bound Dakotah Lindwurm Opens Up on How Watching “Miracle on Ice” Fueled Her Olympic Dream

Dakotah Lindwurm, a 28-year-old athlete, is set to embark on a thrilling journey to Paris! Earlier this year, she secured her spot in the 2024 Olympic Games after a stellar performance at the Olympic Marathon Trials. Her ascent to the Olympics stage follows impressive victories, notably her consecutive wins at Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota in both 2021 and 2022.

Lindwurm’s Olympic dream has been a guiding light since childhood, a beacon illuminating her path to greatness. Her desire to compete on the world’s grandest stage burns bright, but what sparked this fiery ambition? In a recent revelation, Lindwurm peeled back the layers, unveiling the intricate tapestry of motivations fueling her relentless pursuit of excellence in her sport.

Dakotah Lindwurm is a woman of commitment, grit and sheer will

Recently, in an interview conducted by Hannah Donnelly for NBC Sports Boston, Lindwurm offered insights into the driving forces behind her journey to Olympian greatness. Through her candid revelations, she unveiled the profound motivations that have propelled her relentless pursuit of athletics. During the captivating exchange, Lindwurm shared anecdotes from her Olympic trials experience and offered glimpses into her focus on her athletic objectives.

Notably, she delved into the formation of her inspirational team, dubbed “Miracle on Ice,” and reflected on her transition from a young hockey player to a formidable force in track and field. When probed about her childhood aspirations in the wake of her marathon trial victory, Lindwurm’s infectious enthusiasm shone through. Recounting her fond memories of watching the iconic ‘Miracle on Ice‘ game about the 1980 Olympic hockey team, she revealed how the indelible image of Jim Craig, the team’s goalie, ignited her own dreams of Olympic glory.

As she puts it, “I thought it would be in hockey, but you know, God had other plans for me.” Lindwurm, originally aiming for Olympic glory in hockey, embraced the unexpected turn that led her to marathon running. Notably, Dakotah Lindwurm has become the first Minnesotan to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team heading to the upcoming summer games in Paris.

How she overcame every obstacle to make history

Her remarkable journey reached a pinnacle when she clinched third place in a fiercely contested Olympic Trials race held in Orlando, Florida, with Fiona O’Keeffe taking first place and Emily Sisson second. Lindwurm’s achievement marks a significant milestone not only for herself but also for Minnesota’s athletic community. A native of St. Francis, Lindwurm’s journey in athletics began during her high school and collegiate years, gradually transitioning into a focused pursuit of professional distance running in 2018.

Read More: “Almost Break Down” – Paris-Bound Dakotah Lindwurm Reflects on Daily Life After Earning Her Spot in the Summer Olympics

Lundstrom, who has closely guided her development since joining Minnesota Distance Elite, lauds Lindwurm as a tenacious competitor renowned for her gritty resolve on the track. With her spot on the U.S. Olympic Team secured, Lindwurm is poised to inspire a new generation of aspiring athletes with her remarkable dedication and achievement.

Read More: Olympic Marathon Trials: Dakotah Lindwurm, Third Qualifier, Sets Ambitious Goal For The Upcoming Mega Games