At 94 years old, Sister Madonna Buder laces up her running shoes with the same determination she’s had since she first hit the pavement at age 48. The woman known worldwide as the “Iron Nun” doesn’t just defy expectations – she shatters them with the same force that’s propelled her through 400 triathlons and 45 Ironman races.
“The only failure is not to try,” she often says, a mantra that’s carried her farther than most athletes half her age ever dream of going.
Finding Her Calling (The Second One)
Before she was breaking records and inspiring millions, Sister Madonna was simply looking for balance. Born Marie Dorothy Buder in 1930 to a prominent St. Louis family, she entered the convent at 23, committing to a mostly cloistered life with the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.
For years, her world was defined by prayer and service. Then came 1970, a pivotal year when she transferred to the newly formed Sisters for Christian Community—a move that granted her unprecedented autonomy. Little did she know this decision would eventually lead her down an entirely different path.
It wasn’t until 1978, as she approached her 48th birthday, that running entered the picture. A Catholic priest named Father John suggested she try it as a way to harmonize mind, body, and spirit. Her reaction? Pure skepticism.
“I wondered how running could possibly offer the same spiritual benefits as prayer,” she recalls.
Nevertheless, she decided to give it a shot, cobbling together an outfit from hand-me-down shorts and second-hand tennis shoes. The rest, as they say, is history – though in Sister Madonna’s case, that history contains more plot twists than anyone could have predicted.
Sister Madonna Buder: From Novice to Marathon Marvel
What’s remarkable isn’t just that Sister Madonna Buder started running late in life – it’s how quickly she excelled. Within five weeks of her first run, she completed an 8.2-mile race. Soon after, she qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon, a feat that many lifelong runners never achieve.
“I train religiously,” she says with characteristic humor, the double meaning entirely intentional.
For Sister Madonna, running became more than exercise – it transformed into a form of devotion. Each stride brought her closer to what she describes as a perfect harmony of mind, body, and soul. Running, she discovered, wasn’t separate from her spiritual practice; it was an extension of it.
Taking the Plunge
By 1982, at 52, Sister Madonna Buder was looking for a new challenge. Running alone had lost some of its initial thrill. When a running companion suggested she try a triathlon, she approached the idea with her usual blend of trepidation and courage.
Swimming presented the biggest hurdle. Despite having some childhood experience with biking and swimming, the prospect of combining all three disciplines – especially tackling open water – gave her pause. But true to form, she didn’t just dip her toes in the water; she dove headfirst into a half-Ironman in Ireland, swimming farther than she ever had before.
Three years later, at 55, Madonna Buder completed her first full Ironman: a grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon run. For context, many professional athletes consider a single Ironman the pinnacle achievement of their careers. For Sister Madonna Buder, it was just the beginning.
Breaking Barriers, Setting Records
The sports world didn’t quite know what to make of Sister Madonna. Race organizers found themselves creating new age categories specifically for her as she continued competing well into her 70s, 80s, and now 90s.
Her most celebrated achievement came in 2012 when, at 82, she became the oldest woman ever to complete an Ironman at Subaru Ironman Canada. The performance earned her a spot in the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame in 2014.
Even at 90, she participated in The Last Call triathlon, prompting organizers to establish yet another age category. As she approaches her mid-90s, she continues to redefine what’s possible in the twilight years of life.
When the Road Gets Rough
Sister Madonna’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. She’s endured broken bones, missed cut-off times, and painful accidents. A fractured pelvis sidelined her from the Hawaii Ironman a few years before 2014 – a significant setback for someone who had completed so many races before.
“People see the achievements,” she says, “but they don’t always see the struggle.”
During particularly challenging moments in races, Sister Madonna turns to prayer, finding strength in her faith. She often speaks of “angels” who appear along the course – fellow athletes or spectators who offer unexpected assistance just when she needs it most.
“I never feel alone out there,” she explains. “Even in the most isolated stretches, I feel connected to something greater than myself.”
More Than a Nickname
The moniker “Iron Nun” perfectly encapsulates Sister Madonna Buder’s dual identity. First gaining prominence after her completion of the 2005 Hawaii Ironman at age 75, the nickname has become her calling card. She’s also been called “the Flying Nun” and “the Mother Superior of Triathlon,” but “Iron Nun” has stuck, capturing both her religious devotion and her metal-like resilience.
Her fame spread beyond the triathlon community when Nike featured her in their “Unlimited Youth” advertisement during the 2016 Olympics. The spot showcased her as an athlete who transcends conventional limitations of age, bringing her inspiring story to millions worldwide.
Her appeal crosses boundaries of religion, age, and athletic ability. People who have never run a mile in their lives find themselves moved by her example. In 2014, the same year as her Hall of Fame induction, she further cemented her legendary status by rescuing a neighbor from a house fire – at 86 years old.
Philosophy of an Iron Lady
Sister Madonna’s approach to life is refreshingly straightforward: embrace challenges, maintain a childlike sense of wonder, and never allow age to become a barrier.
“We need to be in touch with that little child we once were,” she advises. “Remember that carefree spirit and carry it with you.”
This philosophy extends beyond her athletic pursuits. In her autobiography, “The Grace to Race,” she details how she views her athletic ability as a gift from God – one she’s obligated to use to its fullest potential.
“God gives us talents and expects us to put them to good use,” she says. “For me, that means running and competing for as long as my body allows.” Her story has been documented in various media, including the “Religion of Sports” episode titled “Iron Nun,” which delves into her life and legacy as she approached her 88th birthday.
The Legacy Continues
As Sister Madonna approaches her 95th birthday, her impact on endurance sports and inspirational leadership continues to grow. Her example serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to discover new passions, push beyond perceived limitations, and redefine what’s possible.
“Age is nothing but a number,” she insists. “It’s your attitude that determines your true age.”
For someone who has completed more triathlons in her senior years than most athletes complete in their entire careers, Sister Madonna Buder has earned the right to rewrite the rules of aging. The Iron Nun continues to race against time—and so far, time hasn’t stood a chance.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, someone at a crossroads in life, or simply in need of motivation, Sister Madonna’s message resonates: lace up your shoes, take that first step, and remember—the only failure is not to try.
If you enjoyed Sister Madonna Buder’s remarkable journey, you’ll be equally inspired by another athlete who proves age is merely a number. In “The Ageless Wonder: Oksana Chusovitina’s Extraordinary Half-Century in Gymnastics,” we explore the unprecedented career of an Olympic gymnast still dominating the vault at 49 in a sport where most competitors retire before 20. Like the Iron Nun, Chusovitina continues to defy expectations, having competed in an astonishing eight Olympic Games. Discover her extraordinary story of persistence and passion at Inspiring Athletes.
Photo By The original uploader was Pennbradly at English Wikipedia. – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0,
