Rawlins standout Sydney Thorvaldson made history on Wednesday by becoming the first Gatorade National Award winner in state history.

Thorvaldson was a bit startled to learn she was selected to receive the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award when she was surprised by her family, coaches, and teammates at Rawlins High School in the video above.

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Sydney Thorvaldson, Rawlins HS Coaches, 2021
Courtesy: Collin Mauro, The Gatorade Company
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Thorvaldson has dominated distance running in Wyoming over the last four years. She swept the Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Player of the Year honor for four years. The senior has the most Gatorade Awards in state history. She never lost a high school race in Wyoming. Thorvaldson has set state and national records and has excelled on the regional and national scene. All this while staying humble and kind. She is also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

Sydney Thorvaldson’s legacy in Wyoming is unparalleled and unmatched. It’s proof that hard work and determination can get you where you want to go, even being from a small-town in little ‘ole Wyoming.

Congratulations Sydney! It is a well-deserved honor and couldn’t have happened to a better role model. Good luck at the University of Arkansas.

Sydney Thorvaldson, Rawlins HS Principal, 2021
Courtesy: Collin Mauro, The Gatorade Company
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