(TRACK) Parker Valby is the GOAT NCAA distance runner

Good article; thanks for posting it. As the article states, now Parker will get to run against the "pros." I'm really looking forward to the Trials 5K. I would bet that the better competition will pull Parker to a PR. She might not win, but I think she's got a great shot at top three to qualify for the Olympics, and I wouldn't be surprised by something in the 14:30-14:40 range, depending on weather conditions.

 

Wow, after reading that - Is she the most dominant athlete, in any sport, in UF history?
Wow again.

 

Parker Valby wins second Honda Award for 2024.

Parker Valby Doubles Up on 2023-24 Honda Awards - Florida Gators

 

lisa raymond and tracy caulkins say hey...

 

Great ones for sure!

 

She was third in the semifinal of the 5000 at US Trials Friday night. Top six made the finals which I think runs on Monday.

 

She still has the 10K to try to qualify, and she did make the Olympic Qualifying time in the 5K; so she could move up if someone dropped out.

 

I'm disappointed for Parker but not really surprised. She did run a great race. In college, she was able to run away from the field and never had to use a big kick. But against older, stronger pro runners, that won't work. Parker got out in front and pushed the pace as best she could to try to negate her opponents' kicks, but it wasn't enough. It was a gutsy race. It reminds me of Pre, which is about the highest compliment there is.

I think the 10K will be a much better race for Parker at this point in her career. She'll be able to push the pace for twice as long and perhaps take more of the sting out of the other runners' kicks. I think she's got a real chance at top three. Hope so, anyway.

Also, in three or four years, with more experience, strength and closing speed, this young lady is going to be extremely difficult to beat.

 

I gather that the top 3 runners were older. Parker led the race until the 4000m (or so) mark, announcers referred to Parker as "the collegian". She will dominate long distance running as she matures. Always will be a Gator.

 

Yes. Cranny and St. Pierre are past Olympians. Schweitzer ran a few years ago at Missouri. Those are the three that beat Parker.

 

From a running standpoint, it's tough to maintain that peak both mentally and physically.
So because Parker has had cross-country, indoor and then outdoor track in the last 9 months IMO she was at a disadvantage against these ladies who were peaking for this time.
In addition, Parker just ran the 10K and 5K in the NCAAs less than 2 weeks ago. So to come back sharp after that is also tough.
I guarantee her competition didn't race 15K at 100% effort in the last 2 weeks.

So all that said- everything was stacked against her and she still led until 1 lap to go.
Pretty amazing...

 

Just a great race! Parker showed a ton of guts. I wish the announcers would have talked about the world rankings. Parker's 30:50 earlier this year might rank her high enough to get her into the Olympics in the 10K. Unfortunately, they were too busy talking about Terry Crews.

Edit--Parker has the 21st fastest time in the world this year. I have no idea how they calculate which athletes who don't meet the Olympic standard can qualify. I hope 30:50 will do it.

 

Seems to me there are more than 21 runners in the finals if not the heats if they have any