(born Marie Dorothy Buder; July 24, 1930), also known as the Iron Nun,[1] is an American Senior Olympian triathlete and former religious sister.

[3] As a member of the non-canonical Sisters for Christian Community, a contemporary religious order inspired by the teachings of the Second Vatican Council that is independent of the authority of the Catholic Church, Buder has had the freedom to choose her own ministry and lifestyle.

[3] Buder began training at age 48 at the behest of Father John who told her it was a way of tweaking, "mind, body, and spirit" and for the relaxation and calmness it can bring an individual.

[citation needed] At the 2005 Hawaii Ironman, at age 75, the Iron Nun became the oldest woman ever to complete the race, finishing 1 hour before the 17-hour midnight cut-off time.

"[citation needed] On August 24, 2008, Buder participated in the Ironman race held in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada.

[1] Unfortunately, although Buder started the 2010 Ironman Canada competition at the age of 80, she was unable to complete the course, due to a wetsuit issue.

[12] On October 5, 2010, Buder released her autobiography, The Grace to Race: The Wisdom and Inspiration of the 80-Year-Old World Champion Triathlete Known as the Iron Nun.