With the conclusion of the US Olympic Marathon Trials 2024, marathoners have heaved a sigh of relief. Some could make the most of their ability, while some sat out because of unfortunate health challenges. But one 25-year-old rising star had swept fans off their feet with her blazing performance. Interestingly, being a Team Trials debutant, Fiona O’Keeffe has not only captured the most coveted Olympic spot but also hearts.

O’Keeffe, the 25-year-old who only thought of making her dream team, has finally made it. “Anytime that I’m not able to race, it reminds me how much I love that part of the sport”, said she who has always sported peak athleticism. But with her recent finish, we’re already convinced that she has chosen the right path. Here’s everything you need to know about her.

Straight to the records book in maiden Olympic Marathon Trial

The first female marathoner to finish on top as a debutant, O’Keeffe, has unfurled her victory flags. In the heart of the Floridian city of Orlando, the phenom has clocked  2 hours, 22 minutes, 10 seconds. Not only that, her time is up on the Olympic Marathon Trials history book as the record time. The past season saw her running her best in the indoor 5000m (15:01.34). Moreover, she also made a mark in the 10k leg clocking 30:52.77. But 2023 was a year of falling, pulling back up, and collecting the courage to move ahead.

During her time on the track, she faced a serious foot infection, leading to surgery. Therefore, she missed the 2023 USATF Outdoors. But her injury taught her resilience and the need to keep her health above all. Before the onset of 2024, she had said, “I feel like after taking a reset in October, I’m in a good place now to really be moving forwards and going into this year. So excited about where things are now.” However, as she put it, it is not on her only. There has been some solid backing behind her.

An army of teammates has her back

Officially a Puma athlete, Fiona O’Keeffe credits her women who were there through thick and thin. Training with some of the best runners in the world and under the Puma Elite Running Team, she has reached her full potential in her career. Natosha Rogers and Taylor Werner are her forever support systems. Hailing from Stanford, she has extended a heartfelt note for them as well.

READ MORE: Olympic Marathon Trials: Live Updates, Results, And More

“We spent all of our time together, in and out of practice, and that really helped me improve as an athlete and a person”. Though she was already in terms of the competitive level, the Trials setting excited her from way before. With the prize money in hand, she set sail on a longer journey.

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