Olympic hopeful Purrier talks running with local athletes
“She really shows you that no matter where you grow up you can achieve your dreams if you work for them."
By Ruthie Laroche, St. Albans Messenger
RICHFORD — Elle Purrier, fresh from competition at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, spoke to runners from MVU, Enosburg, Fairfax, and Richford on Thursday evening.
Banners from Purrier’s high school years hung beside and over her as she spoke of her time competing in high school, in college and as a professional runner.
Purrier finished 11th in the 5000 meters at the World Championships, setting a personal record of 14:58.17, and solidifying her place as an elite runner on the international stage, and she’s now back in Vermont for a much-needed break.
The Montgomery native is never too busy to give back to the community that gave her so much, and Thursday’s event proved that true once again.
Purrier began by sharing about her transition from high school to college.
“My first week in college, I remember doing the warm-up for our team, and I thought that was the workout, so it was pretty tough,” said Purrier chuckling. “I got used to it, and I made some of the best friends of my life.”
Purrier enjoyed an extremely successful college running career.
Her best year was her last, producing a 2018 NCAA Indoor Mile title and the second-fastest Mile time by an NCAA female athlete (4:26.55) that launched her professional running career.
“The National Championship helped me seal the deal,” said Purrier. “I got an agent and started talking to shoe companies around the country.”
Purrier eventually signed with New Balance and settled in Boston.
“I’ve learned a lot over the last year, and I’ve traveled all over the country and all over the world,” said Purrier. “It’s amazing and humbling at the same time. I would never have imagined this in high school or college.”
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