Champion marathoner Salazar's condition improves

PORTLAND, Ore. - Hospital officials announced Monday that the condition of distance running legend Alberto Salazar has improved since he was hospitalized over the weekend.

Salazar was upgraded on Monday to fair condition at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, according to a hospital news release.

The 48-year-old longtime Nike employee was on the Nike World campus Saturday when he collapsed about 12:30 p.m. and was taken to the hospital's Cardiac Care Unit for treatment.

Hospital officials on Monday confirmed Salazar did suffer a heart attack. He told his doctor he has a family history of heart conditions, the news release said.

"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," Salazar said in a statement released Monday. "I look forward to returning to life as a father, coach and trainer as soon as possible.”

The long distance running icon is known as being the winner of three consecutive New York Marathons as well as the 1982 Boston Marathon.