Sumi Onodera-Leonard dies at 88; small champ with biggest heart
Mark Cleary sends very sad news: “Sumi Onodera-Leonard passed away on Saturday, March 25, around 5:30pm. She was an active member of the SoCal Track Club since 2002. She set several age group American records (even world records as a W80) and won countless national titles as recently as 2016. Sumi was inducted into the Masters USA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2006. Her memorial will be held on Sunday, April 9, at 5 p.m. at Nichiren Church, 2801 E. 4th St. Los Angeles, CA 90033.” She recovered from a nearly fatal auto 2003 accident in Arizona and specialized in the 4 and 8. Will add more later.
Sumi was short enough to relax in a hurdle, but never showed inferiority.
11 Responses
Also gone too young is Brian Oldfield, M35 and M40 WR man in the shot, whose records may live forever:
https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-brian-oldfield-20170328-story,amp.html
Interview on T&FN:
http://www.trackandfieldnews.com/images/stories/tfn_pdfs/Interviews/OldfieldIV.pdf
I loved Sumi, and I will miss her sparkling, courageous presence whether on the track or anywhere else. There are tears in my eyes as I write this.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years since that terrible accident, which I believe was a head-on collision. Sumi, you were loved by so many, and you will not be forgotten.
Because of your long name I announced you as simply “Sumi,” but that was enough, as it captured your spirit beautifully. You were the best.
Prayers to her family and friends
RIP, Sumi. God bless.
Memories will linger; we had many enjoyable T&F years!
Pat
Sumi, was an inspiration and one of the initial admirers responsible for recruiting me into the masters program. She will be missed, with her nonstop energy.
Very sad news. Someone told that Sumi was told by doctors that she would never walk again after her 2003 car accident, but of course she not only walked, she ran and set records.
Very sad news indeed, Sumi was a long time runner friend. I was on a number of relay teams with her over the years. My sympathy to her family.
Sumi — what a fun woman with her smiles and sometimes quirky ways. I last saw her at the ABQ 2016 Indoor nationals and remember her worrying because she did not have her shoes (but her pal got them to her in time) and then her sort of slowing (or stopping) short of the Finish, not because of being tired, just because, well, just because. But then along she came to the Finish. Smiling.
In Michigan last summer, those doggone shoes kept disappearing on her. With help they were corralled and she competed. Yea, Sumi!
I missed her in ABQ this year. RIP, sweet Lady! Run well wherever you are.
Yes, very sad news. Sumi was such a positive, upbeat person. Always a pleasure bumping into her at meets.
Sumi and I trained for several years with the same coach and did a deep water workout with the same coach for many, many years. I witnessed her astonishing comeback from that horrible accident–Sumi was out to prove the doctors wrong, wrong, wrong, and she did. What an inspiration she was. I remember her great come-from-behind win in the 800 at World Championships in 2001 in Brisbane. She was an amazing competitor and wonderful person.
just finding out that Sumi has died. i am most saddened to hear this news. Sumi was an inspiration, a great Track athlete and had a wonderful sense of humor. She will be remembered and missed
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