U.S. Olympic legend Jesse Owens once said, “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams become reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and effort”

It’s one of those sayings that you read and think yes, I understand that but until you meet someone like Magda Gazea do any of us fully appreciate the actual meaning of those words?

Weighing-in at just forty-two kilos the diminutive appearance and modest character of Magda Gazea belies her resolute dedication to her sport. Long distance runner Magda holds the national record at the Athens Classic Marathon (2:41.31), an achievement she never imagined when, just eight years ago, she took a sports teaching post here on Zakynthos.

Magda, originally from Thessaloniki, joined renowned Iraklis Gymnastic Club when she was ten years old but on the advice of a tutor moved to the track and field division competing in short distant races. By the age of twenty-one she had won a significant amount of medals to secure a teaching scholarship. Hanging up her running shoes, Magda put all her energies into studying for a sports qualification and ultimately a career in teaching.

In 2001, she took up a teaching post here on Zakynthos. At the same school was A. G. E Zakynthos coach Nikos Aktipis who encouraged Magda to start running again. Aktipis thought that Magda was better suited to long distance running; he devised a training routine and became her coach. For a year, Magda worked tirelessly increasing her speed, stamina and overall fitness level. In 2003, she made her debut at the Athens Classic Marathon. Considered to be one of the toughest marathons in the world because of its up hill route; Magda rose to the challenge and realised a bronze medal position, covering the gruelling 42 kilometres (26 miles) in just 2:55.25 The following year she shaved more than nine minutes off her record (2:46.30) reaching second position. In 2005 and 2006, Magda went on to run six more marathons and, despite improving her times, the punishing circuit of competitions and training brought injury and a gold medal eluded her. Aktipis reassessed her training programme and decided to focus on just one marathon. The change made all the difference as Magda achieved the national record for crossing the line in 2:41.31 at the 2007 Athens Classic Marathon. In Athens 2008, a mere 26 seconds cost Magda first place. This year she is setting her sights on the Berlin Marathon one of the world’s major marathon races. Preparations include competing in the Balkan Games at Belgrade and the Mediterranean Games in Italy. She will wrap up the year with the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships held in Birmingham, UK.

The life of a marathon runner is a lonely one. Rigorous training routines leave no time for a social life and she only goes home to her family at Christmas during the lull before training for the coming year. She runs between 30-40 kilometres a day averaging 180 kilometres a week. A typical weekday for Magda starts at 6.30 am with cornflakes and orange juice. She teaches at the stadium early morning, followed by one and half hours running. Home for lunch and back to the stadium at 4.30 pm to coach the younger children. Later she completes 2½ hours of intensive training. Back at home, her regime includes stretching and weight exercises and then a light super precedes an early 10pm bedtime.

In two years, Magda plans to hang up her running shoes for good, to begin a normal life and do all the things most of us take for granted, spending time with friends and family and, perhaps start a family of her own.

“It is an athletes’ life, but it is also my dream come true, I am passionate about running,” said Magda. Magda Gazea is proof that dreams and dedication are a powerful combination.