If we say there’s a 19-year-old star at Harvard, that doesn’t narrow it down, does it? But Sophia Gorriaran has the CV that can make her stand out from others. For starters, she has won Gold at the 2023 Pan American U20 Championships in the 800m distance. Then, she scooped the 2024 U20 World Championships by running a 2:01.04 in the 800m event. The pace she is setting has already drawn the attention of the track and field community, and the best part is that she is being trained methodically. We are excited to see where it goes.

Sometimes, it sounds cliche to say that behind a youngster’s success are her parents. But what if we say that behind the success of Sophia is the carefully planned, scientifically designed, disciplined approach that mimics the training regimes of the best of the best pro athletes? Yes, that has been the kind of attention she has given for her success. And who gives this degree of attention to someone? Only parents. In Sophia’s case, it’s her father. So, let’s get to know the man whose mind remains mostly preoccupied with making their children better.

Who is Sophia Gorriaran’s Father?

Sophia Gorriaran’s father is Steve Gorriaran. He is a computer scientist who is also in charge of running two businesses. But what made him the perfect dad for Sophia is his background in sports. He was a wide receiver at Brown University and also a track and field athlete. Running 100m in 10.57 is top-notch. Compare that with Noah Lyles’s personal best of 9.79; we are talking about a super dad here.

Moreover, he also volunteers as a coach for developing athletes in the community. This helps him to get into details of the current track and field scenario, which eventually helps him in understanding where his daughter stands in comparison to others. Not to mention, he was her first coach since she was 4 years old. Yes, Mr. Gorriaran’s philosophy is to let Sophia make the big decisions in life, like choosing Harvard, but when it comes to training and development, he has been the one with the veto.

Even when John Barnes was brought in as the endurance coach for Sophia (she was in 7th Grade at that time), it was Steve who orchestrated a long interview that can almost feel like a grilling interrogation. Barnes recalled for Runner’s World in February 2023 the interview: “Steve said, ‘You know, within three or four years, she should be getting very close to 2 minutes [for 800 meters]. Here is what other athletes have done.’”

Continuing to tell how Steve had all the bases covered, Barnes narrated, “He could name female athletes from 10 years ago. ‘This is the progression they made; this is where they are; this is where [Olympic gold medalist] Athing Mu was when she was 14.’ He knows all of that stuff backward and forward.’” That’s how dedicated Steve Gorriaran was toward Sophia’s development.

Many new coaches have joined the team to make Sophia a better specimen, but Steve’s overseeing authority has been a constant thing. Being a multi-sport specialist, Steve also got Sophia into multiple sports to use the best of both to her advantage. Sophia is rather good at lacrosse. But what makes it helpful in her track and field career? “All the other muscles that track don’t hit; I think lacrosse does,” the then 17-year-old said. “And if people are throwing elbows at me [in the 800], it doesn’t faze me. I experience a lot more of that in lacrosse.”

To have a mind like Steve’s right at home has been the perfect head-start for the Olympic team. She also trained with Marielle Hall and Helen Schlactenhaufen while under coach Kurt Benninger of the Rhode Island Track Club. Steve’s thought process is: “The example they (Marielle and Helen) set—no complaining, liking it, enjoying it, knowing what it takes, I think it’s very good for Sophia to witness that.”

If there ever is an example of rigorous training, this is it. No pain, no gain is probably what Steve would say. And while Steve takes up the strict teacher responsibilities, Sophia’s mother comes in with her nurturing to ensure it’s a perfect balance.

Who is Sophia’s Mother?

Sophia’s mother is Dr. Carine Leconte, a renowned pediatrician in her community. She is based in Cranston, Rhode Island, and has received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Carine has been in practice for more than 20 years now, and as is with everyone in this family, she is also one of the best when it comes to her trade.

She has won the Patient’s Top Choice Award and has the distinction of being reputed for making time for patients. Not only that, she listens to them as they share their side, and then she takes her time to clearly and simply explain her diagnosis and instructions. That’s what makes her a great doctor.

And when Dr. Carine is at home, she becomes the amazing mom for Sophia. She is very involved in the decisions regarding her daughter, and that also means letting Sophia enjoy her life so that it just doesn’t become a life of track and field exercise. Sophia loves playing lacrosse. And Carine ensured her daughter still plays that from time to time so that she can enjoy herself. Sophia’s mother understands what would be best for her daughter’s well-being.

For Sophia, what would be the biggest negative of going to Harvard? Missing her mother’s cooking. “I’m going to miss my mom’s cooking so much. Her pasta with garlic sauce, tomatoes, and chicken is so good. It’s, like, the best. And her salad, with our meal afterwards.” A super mom and a super dad, and we haven’t ventured into it, but Sophia has two also very successful siblings. It’s a family of high echelons in society.

What is Sophia Gorriaran’s parents’ nationality?

Steve Gorriaran and Carine Leconte both are American nationals. Steve’s grandfather was a Cuban immigrant and another celebrity in the family. He is in the US wrestling hall of fame. That is a family where everyone can vie for attention. For now, we focus on Sophia Gorriaran and other track and field prospects who are coming up right now.