INDIANAPOLIS – Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan (Portland, Ore.) has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after she won the individual bronze medal and led the US women to a team bronze as well at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships Saturday in Punta Umbria, Spain.
Shalane Flanagan Athlete of the Week March 2011
In the 8 km race, Flanagan maintained her position in the top-ten during the first 6 km of the race. Then as a testament to her track speed she unleashed a fast finish, passing four of her competitors over the last 2 km to claim her spot on the podium, finishing in 25:10“I was so pleased to be in medal position. It was a lot of fun today,” Flanagan said after the race. “I love the fact that this is a team sport, and there is a great team dynamic going with all of the ladies.”
Flangan’s performance not only led the way for Team USA’s bronze medal, but also inspired her teammates as well.
“I think this experience makes me want it more,” said teammate Alissa McKaig. ”How can you not be inspired after watching Shalane get third?”
Now in its tenth year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
Winners: January 5, Bill Tribou; January 12, Tyler Sorensen; January 20, Josh Cox; January 26, Ben Shorey; February 2, Ashton Eaton; February 9, Ashton Eaton; February 16, Bernard Lagat; February 23, Ryan Crouser; March 2, Jillian Camarena-Williams; March 10, Bill Collins; March 16, Miles Batty; March 23, Shalane Flanagan
