Sydney Thorvaldson Ranks No. 1 in the Nation for Cross Country

The No. 1-ranked distance runner in the country happens to be the star runner from Rawlins. It’s senior Sydney Thorvaldson.

She sits atop the list of the MileSplit 50.

Last Saturday at the Heritage Distance Classic in Colorado, Thorvaldson produced the fastest 5K run of the year with a time of 16:19. It’s a new course record and a new personal record. The event was held on the Liberty Bell Invitational course in Littleton, CO. That event was canceled earlier this year due to the virus.

Thorvaldson became just the eighth female runner all-time in cross country to record a time under 16:30 in a 5K. She accomplished the feat on a course that’s just over 5,300 feet in elevation.

The Rawlins senior is already the most-decorated runner in Wyoming state history. Thorvaldson is a 15-time state champion and has been honored with the most Gatorade awards in the state with five. She also owns nine state records.

Add another accomplishment to the list with her time under 16:30.

In case you missed it earlier this summer, WyoPreps’ David Settle went to Rawlins to visit with Thorvaldson in-person to gain more of a perspective on the senior. She spoke on a variety of topics, including running, her top college choices she’s looking at, and even what she’s interested in away from running. You can watch that video below. It also includes her coach’s perspective, from Rawlins coach Nancy Steinberg.

Rawlins will host the Rawlins Invitational on Friday, Sept. 18 at Sinclair.

Source: MileSplit.com