Parker Valby ran an all time collegiate best of 30:50.43 in the 10K. She was just the 13th American women to go under 31 minutes in history, and of course the 1st college athlete. Perhaps more impressively, she did it on her 10K debut. She is truly one amazing athlete, and while I realize that football is considered by many to be King at UF… we can all celebrate and be proud of our premiere track and field progams. Elsie Thorner also had an outstanding meet in the 3000K steeplechase and currently is number 1 in the NCAA at a new UF record of 9:28.49. Allison Wilson ran a 33:34.95 10K to move into the top 5 all time at UF.
Distance runners usually peak in their late twenties/early thirties. Some compete at a world class level well into their forties. I'm guessing that Parker is about 21 years old. If she continues to train in the highly intelligent way that she is training now, she has incredible potential to be one of the greats. Nike's support will help her also. It will be fun to watch her career continue to develop.
