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Molly Seidel just became the new queen of Strava

Olympic bronze medallist received a record number of kudos

In case you missed it, on Sunday, U.S. runner Molly Seidel won the bronze medal in the women’s marathon at the Tokyo Olympics. She ran the race of her life, hanging with the Kenyan leaders, Peres Jepchirchir and Brigid Kosgei, until around 37.5 km, and fended off her competition over the last stretch to secure the bronze in a time of 2:27.51. The bronze medal won’t be the only achievement she will be coming home with, as she has just been crowned ‘Strava legend’ for having the most kudos for a women’s activity ever.

RELATED: Jepchirchir beats Kosgei, Molly Seidel takes bronze in Olympic marathon

In case you are unfamiliar with kudos on Strava, they are virtual thumbs up, and comparable to “likes” on Facebook or retweets on Twitter. Currently her “full send” activity sits at 32,500 kudos and is still rising. Seidel sits on the throne beside cyclist and multiple Tour de France champion Chris Froome, who received 40,000-plus kudos for a ride in Italy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSR_4IdnBNz/

Getting to Tokyo was an achievement of its own for Seidel, as she missed the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2016 to get eating disorder treatment. Seidel qualified for the Olympics Games when she placed second at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in 2020 behind fellow American Aliphine Tuliamuk. 

Canadian marathoner’s Malindi Elmore and Natasha Wodak who both respectively finished within the top 15 in Tokyo were apparently apart of Seidel’s morning walking club around the athlete’s village. Seidel illustrated the importance of these two tremendous women on her Instagram and Strava.

U.S. Molly Seidel and Canadian marathoner Malindi Elmore in front of the Olympic Rings. Photo: Molly Seidel/Strava

If you aren’t following Seidel on Strava, you should, since her content is very entertaining. Last year she attempted running the world’s slowest mile (took her 36 minutes) and the fastest 10 km dressed as a turkey. Other honourable mentions are her Hinge dates, her runs and various airport shakeouts around the world. Now with a larger following, we are confident that Seidel will embrace the entertainment and fandom.

RELATED: Molly Seidel runs 34:33 10K dressed in a turkey suit

You can follow Molly Seidel on Strava, here:

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