Christina Aragon has a newfound appreciation for the dedication required to excel as one of the top runners in the nation.
“I reflect on the past eight years and all the challenges I’ve faced during that time period. It makes me proud of my journey and excited about what lies ahead,” Aragon shared from her altitude training camp in Park City, Utah.
After concluding her illustrious high school career with 12 titles at Billings Senior, Aragon embarked on a journey to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials as a recent high school graduate bound for Stanford University. She capped off that summer by winning a bronze medal in Poland at the World U20 Championships.
During her time at Stanford, Aragon achieved multiple NCAA championships and earned the title of nine-time All-American. However, she narrowly missed out on qualifying for the pandemic-delayed 2021 Trials.
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“The special aspect for me is the journey of the past eight years. I encountered numerous setbacks and injuries in college, which affected my performance compared to high school. These challenging times have been crucial for my growth,” remarked Aragon, who will compete in the women’s 1,500 on Thursday.
Upon exhausting her college eligibility in 2022, she transitioned into the professional realm and joined the Bowerman Track Club in Eugene, Oregon, training under coach Jerry Schumacher and his team.
“Being part of a team filled with experienced and talented individuals has been incredibly motivating for me. I’ve always valued the opportunity to learn and be pushed by my teammates, especially by my training partner Karissa Schweizer,” Aragon mentioned, referring to Schweizer’s recent success in qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team.
Over the past year, Aragon’s transition to professional running has been aided by the support and challenges provided by her teammates.
“Last year, I put in a lot of hard work, but struggled to translate that into race performance. Now, I feel like the foundation I laid last year is paying off and helping me improve my performance this year,” she explained.
This newfound confidence stemmed from breaking her personal record at Track Fest in Los Angeles and further lowering it at the Los Angeles Grand Prix, setting a new PR of 4:06.53.
“Breaking through those barriers and achieving new personal bests has fueled my excitement for the future. I feel more confident in my racing and have found a good level of consistency in my performances,” Aragon expressed.
Her journey of growth encompasses physical strength, mental fortitude, and invaluable lessons inherited from her upbringing.
“Watching my sisters race from a young age has instilled better instincts in me. They showed me what’s possible and opened doors for me to pursue my own athletic endeavors,” Aragon reflected.
As the youngest of three sisters, all accomplished athletes from Billings Senior, Aragon has continued their legacy and embraced the support of her family in her pursuit of excellence.
“My sisters have always been my role models, showing me the way and inspiring me to push beyond my limits. Even though we’re physically apart, our shared love for running keeps us connected,” she acknowledged.
Running and competition have been integral to the Aragon family, with their parents’ athletic achievements adding to the rich tapestry of their shared experiences.
“Having a family deeply rooted in running has been a source of strength and inspiration for me. Their presence at my races, including the Trials, has been a source of motivation and pride,” Aragon shared.
The upcoming Trials hold a special significance for the Aragon sisters, as they race alongside each other for the first time at this level of competition.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to compete with my sister at the Trials. It’s a special moment for us, considering our shared journey and athletic pursuits,” Aragon expressed.
As they prepare for their respective races, the Aragon sisters look forward to not only the competition but also the rare chance to spend quality time together.
This camaraderie and mutual support have been crucial in Aragon’s development as a professional athlete, shaping her perspective on competition and achievement.
“I want to approach the Trials with bravery, determination, and a fearless attitude. I’ve learned from past experiences and aim to give my best performance without letting fear or doubt cloud my judgment,” Aragon declared.
Her ultimate goal is to secure a spot in the final and position herself for a chance to represent the U.S. at the global stage in Paris later this summer.
“Making the final is my primary goal, and I’m committed to giving my all in pursuit of that goal. I won’t underestimate myself and will strive to seize the opportunity at hand,” Aragon affirmed.
As she gears up for the Trials, Aragon’s journey reflects a blend of dedication, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for running, illustrating the power of perseverance and familial support in her pursuit of excellence.
Email 406mtsports.com digital sports editor Lindsay Rossmiller at lindsay.rossmiller@406mtsports.com or follow her on X/Twitter @ LindsayRossmill.
