Olivia Anderson has excelled in cross country, but made an even bigger name for herself in track and field. Contributed photo.
There are a few state championships on Olivia Anderson's resume. There might be a couple more except for a running battle with Eleanor Fulton over the 5A 800 Meters (Fulton edged Anderson at state in 2009 and 2011; Anderson edged Fulton in 2010). But what most stands out about Anderson's three state titles are the events they came in--the 300 hurdles and the 800. Track and field events don't get any more demanding than these two events. With these events, we're not talking speed or endurance, we're talking speed and endurance.
Anderson's exploits on the track got the attention of a few schools. Most specifically, those exploits got the attention of the Duke University coaching staff, and Anderson has made her decision to sign with the Blue Devils. But, has her high school record would suggest, she plans to run both cross country and track at the North Carolina-based school.
At Duke, Anderson will be entering the International Comparative Studies/Pre-Law program. "Walking onto the campus had such a great feel. Coach Jermyn and Coach Patrick, the team, the school, and even the location were a perfect fit. I left the official visit anxious to return and thinking of how I could become a part of the Duke Class of 2016."
With the pressure of that decision behind her, Anderson can now look forward to chasing a few dreams in her final high school season. After dabbling extensively in the 1600 in her junior season, Anderson appears to be headed back to the roots of her biggest successes, " I am planning on refocusing on the 300m Hurdles, 400m, and 800m this season. I want to keep the speed of these events as a base, and they also work really well together for training."
Anderson's most memorable moment in high school track came in the 800 meter state final of her junior year. Many reading this will recall the breath-taking battle (pictured left, Colorado Track XC file photo) down the entire length of the finish straight with Eleanor Fulton of Highlands Ranch. Anderson would edge Fulton by .14 of a second (2:09.90 to 2:10.04) to claim the state title.
"I can't describe the feeling of elation and disbelief I felt. It was such a fantastic race for me because I knew it was going to be very challenging, but I also ended up leading for most of the race which was actually really fun. It was a challenge both mentally and physically and I loved every minute of it."
Fueled, in part, by that memory, Anderson looks forward with heightened anticipation to this year's 800 meter contests, "This season the 800m is going to be very competitive and I believe some very fast times will be established... I would love to be a part of those fast times and ultimately break the state record."
The state record to which Anderson refers is the 2:07.52 posted by Eaglecrest's Tara Mendozza in 1996. Many of those who will be competing at this year's state meet weren't even born when Mendozza set that mark. Several solid shots have been taken at the record in the intervening 16 years, but the record still stands, unblemished. Breaking a record like that is a lot about the getting the right people in the field, going out at the right pace, and having it all take place under the right conditions. If that kind of convergence takes place on May 18, 2012, Anderson's hope seems to be within reach.
For those wondering about Anderson's PRs, those marks are as follows: 300 Hurdles - 43.42; 400 Meters - 55.87: 800 Meters - 2:09.87; 1600 Meters (at altitude): 5:06.70. Her 5K cross country all-time best is 18:14, set at the 2010 Liberty Bell Meet. She also ran 18:19 at this fall's Nike Pre-Nationals meet in Portland, Oregon.
Since next fall will take Anderson over 1000 miles away to Durham, North Carolina, you'd be well-advised to catch the show right here in Colorado before it closes.