As they crossed the finish line first Friday night in the incredibly deep first heat of the U.S. Olympic Trials women’s 1,500 meters, Flagstaff’s Nikki Hiltz wiped their brow with the back of their hand — a gesture, it seems, of relief, having survived and gotten the victory.
Hiltz, coached by NAU’s Mike Smith, used a surge on the final turn to overtake Elle St. Pierre and the rest of the field to win in 4:01.49. Even if they hadn’t won, Hiltz was safely within the top five in the stacked heat who automatically advanced.
Maggi Congdon, the NAU junior, also advanced to Sunday’s final, placing fourth in the second heat in 4:02.79. Congdon raced smartly, going out with Elise Cranny early and staying in the top three through 800 meters. Congdon was tucked into a pack of six at the bell lap, tucked in well on the inside. Congdon showed her 800-meter speed with a fast finish.
It was a five-second personal best for Congdon, whose previous best was 4:07.81 at the NCAA semifinals earlier in June in Hayward Field. Congdon had been injured earlier in the spring, which limited her racing, so she seems to be peaking at the right time.
Under Armour Dark Sky’s Abe Alvarado surged late in the second heat of the 800 meters to finish third and qualify via time for Sunday’s final. Alvarado ran a personal best of 1:44.44, more than a second faster than his previous fastest time.
Meanwhile, in Mexico City, Under Armour Dark Sky Distance’s Lalo Herrera won the Mexican national championship in the 1,500, in 3:43 in a race held at almost 7,000 feet. Herrera, whose best is 3:35.27 set in Spain on June 18, is ranked 82nd in the 1,500 rankings.
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