Melody Fairchild, shown here competing in the open race at the RMAC Championships, is a member of the newest class of the CHSAA Hall of Fame. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Probably nobody has impacted distance running in Colorado as much as Melody Fairchild. A multiple state champion, and still a state record holder, in both cross country and track and field, Fairchild dominated the high school scene in Colorado as nobody has before or since.
And her success was not limited to the confines of Colorado. Fairchild is still one of only six two-time Foot Locker national champions. She still holds the San Diego course record, set in 1990. A lot of notables have taken a shot at the record (16:39) in the intervening years, but nobody has taken it down.
Proving that the still has the wheels, Fairchild dominated the women's open race at this year's Foot Locker Midwest regional, winning in 18:32.
When not racing herself, Fairchild is busy these days with running a girls running camp and coaching club athletes under the "Fairchild Flyers" banner. Kelsey Lakowske is one of the young women running for Fairchild Flyers.
Congratulations, Melody Fairchild, on your well-deserved recognition! Thank you, CHSAA, for recognizing one so deserving!
The induction banquet will be held on January 27. Tickets are available through CHSAA (www.chsaa.org).