Downey runner qualifies for Junior Olympic National Championships

Distance runner Stephanie Hernandez will represent Downey at the national championships next week. Courtesy photo

DOWNEY – Stephanie Hernandez from the Instride Track Club will be representing her team and the city of Downey in Tallahassee, Fla., for the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships on Dec. 9. 

Stephanie, 10, is a fifth-grader Old River Elementary School and is the only participant from this area.

Stephanie qualified as an individual at the Regional Championships held Nov. 19 in Santa Clarita. She completed the tough and hilly 3k course in 12:00. 

She is currently ranked in the top 18 in this region of southern California, Nevada and Hawaii. Hernandez’s goal is to place in the top 25 at Nationals which would make her an All-American.

The Instride Track Club relies heavily on donations and fundraisers in order to travel or participate at the championship meets. Any financial help to get Stephanie to Florida would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made here.

Coach Eric Nilson can be contacted at enilsenchiro@gmail.com with further questions and information.