It was only a matter of time.
Lake Hamilton's Olivia Pielemeier has put together one of the most impressive resumes in the history of Arkansas high school track and field, winning 12 state championships over the course of her career. Pielemeier is this week's Arkansas Milesplit' 'Distance Runner of the Week' after her impressive season debut at the Hot Springs Lakeside Ram Relays.
At last Thursday's event, Pielemeier ran the fastest 1600m in the state to this point of the season, becoming the first girl to dip under 5 minutes. The superstar senior ran a 4:58.60 en route to her first victory of the season.
"Thursday's meet was a really good mental piece for me and an outdoor rust buster," Olivia said when I asked her about her performances last week. "My coach wanted me to go out faster and then just keep it under sub 5 so I'm happy with it being alone".
Pielemeier continued her dominance later in the day, winning the 800m race by 11 seconds and running a 2:21.43, which ranks 5th in the state.
I also asked Olivia about her goals for the remainder of the outdoor track season. In response, she said "My main focus is to secure an outdoor team title. Although individual titles are nice, I'm more focused on the team's success- that is more important to me in the long run."
Olivia is also looking forward to a few other things as well: "I'd love to keep chipping time off the mile state record and hopefully break out an impressive time in the two-mile..which will be very soon".
Next fall, Olivia will head to Fayetteville, Arkansas to compete for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. I asked Olivia what stood out to her about the historic program. She replied "For me, Arkansas was a no-brainer. The coaching staff and ladies made me feel wanted and at home before even committing. They have made it evident that I am more than a runner."
"I wanted to be somewhere where I can be the best me possible and I felt as though being surrounded by the best was the only way," she added.
With more than a month left in the Arkansas track and field season, the spectacular senior is set to complete her legendary high school career in a big way and accomplish all of her goals before heading to Fayetteville next season.
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The Arkansas Milesplit 'Distance Runner of the Week' is a new series that will be published every Wednesday, awarding one distance runner from the state the unique distinction of being the best of the best. Statistics will be gathered every week, counting each meet from Monday to Sunday prior to Wednesday's publication. This week, performances from March 27th-April 2 were considered for the award.
