Alberto Salazar Improves Under Care of Cardiologists at Providence Heart and Vascular Institute
July 2, 2007
Portland, Ore. — Providence Heart and Vascular Institute cardiologists today upgraded Alberto Salazar’s condition to fair. He remains in the Cardiac Care Unit at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Salazar is being treated by Todd Caulfield, M.D., an interventional cardiologist. Dr. Caulfield says tests now indicate Salazar had a heart attack Saturday. Salazar, who is alert and talking with his family, told Dr. Caulfield that he has a family history of heart conditions.
Salazar released the following statement this afternoon: “I want to express my thanks for the concern, good wishes and support we continue to receive from Oregonians, Nike employees, and the larger community of runners and athletes who are so much a part of our lives. I look forward to returning to life as a father, coach and trainer as soon as possible.”
Salazar was on the Nike World campus on Saturday afternoon, June 30, when he collapsed. Salazar was transported to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.
The 48-year-old Salazar is a world-renowned marathoner, winner of three consecutive New York Marathons and a still-celebrated 1982 Boston Marathon victory. Throughout his career he set six U.S. records and one world record. He is a longtime respected Nike employee and consultant who trains elite distance runners.
“We wish him a recovery as fast as his record-breaking marathon times,” Nike chief executive Mark Parker said in a statement to Nike employees. “He represents the best of what Nike has stood for since the early days of the company.”
Any cards and correspondence for Mr. Salazar can be directed to Nike at the following address: Alberto Salazar, C/O Nike, Inc., One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, OR 97005.
(Editors and reporters please note: The family asks that all media inquiries be coordinated through Providence St. Vincent Public Affairs. The family also asks for privacy at this time, including no direct media calls or contact, and no visits to their home. There will be no interviews by Dr. Caulfield or any other hospital officials at this time. As new information becomes available, we will update you.)
