Dairy farmer turned world-renowned track star locked in on medaling at Tokyo Games
In February 2020, Elle Purrier was on top of the track world.
鈥淭he Millrose Mile, when I broke the American Record was a huge stepping stone. A turning point in my career. And then after that the whole world just kind of stopped,鈥� Purrier said.
When the Tokyo Olympics were postponed, Purrier seemed to be on the path all Olympic hopefuls aspire to 鈥� peaking ahead of the trials. However, one record was no peak.
鈥淗onestly, I feel like it is just kind of better, I feel like a much better athlete now. I have a whole year of training and mileage under my belt,鈥� Purrier said.
In the extra time, Purrier added the 2-mile indoor American record to her resume, as well as the world鈥檚 best 1500-meter time this season. However, the accolades here in the United States are not what she鈥檚 locked in on.
鈥淢edaling in the Olympics would be the ultimate goal. I really think I can do it if It鈥檚 the right day and the right race,鈥� Purrier said.
Growing up on a Vermont dairy farm, a young Purrier didn鈥檛 always talk about Olympic medals.
鈥淚 feel like as a young kid I didn鈥檛 ever think that I would be a runner, especially at this level. It鈥檚 kind of funny to think back to that. Honestly, I am still getting used to this 鈥楨lle鈥� the confidence has come over a long period of time,鈥� Purrier said.
Purrier accredits her newfound confidence to physical and mental toughness, as well as staying in her own lane.
鈥淚 have had a different path to get to where I am as compared to all the people that I am competing against, so me not comparing myself to them,鈥� Purrier said.
She鈥檚 confident, yet grounded. With hopes to truly experience her Olympic moment.
鈥淚t would be the ultimate goal to represent my country, and I hope I can really enjoy those moments, if I make it there, you know, just really be there,鈥� Purrier said.
A place that only a small percentage of people can say they have ever been.