Edwards brings home gold
Bellingham star wins Pan Am steeplechase
Bellingham track star Sarah Edwards completed an arduous journey on Sunday.
From brain cancer survivor to gold medalist, Edwards won her specialty, the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2017 Pan American Junior Championships in Trujillo, Peru.
The 19-year-old Virginia Tech student clocked a winning time of 10:10.68, finishing ahead of runner-up Alondra Y Negron of Puerto Rico, who ran 10:13.73, and bronze-medalist Alexandra Harris of the United States, who ran 10:14.76.
Edwards is the first American to capture the Pan Am Juniors gold in this event since former University of Michigan standout Alexandra Leptich clocked a 10:43.76 victory in 2011. Although Edwards’ time did not come close to the world junior mark of 9:20:37 set by Ethiopian star Adamu Birtukanet in 2011, the Bellingham native did threaten the Pan Am under-20 record of 10:04.71 set by Sabine Heitling of Brazil in 2005.
“It’s very exciting,” said Edwards by phone from Peru. “I led the entire race. There wasn’t a ton going on. The pack was with me the whole race. I definitely wanted to win but I was also looking to break the record for the (Pan Am) meet which was 10:04. The weather has been beautiful here, probably 70 degrees.”
Edwards only turned to the steeplechase in April at the suggestion of Hokies cross country/distance coach Ben Thomas. She qualified for the Pan Am meet by winning the U.S. Junior Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, where she posted a 10:14.67 that was 11 seconds better than the next-closest competitor. Edwards, who won the ACC outdoor title and placed 10th at the NCAA championships, gave credence to her risingstar status by establishing a school-record time of 9:52.89 for the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA regionals.
“Sarah has come a long way in her first year as a college athlete,” said Thomas. “Despite struggling to contribute in the fall in cross country, and not faring much better in indoor track, she never quit. She kept showing up and doing the work. I think through these freshmen year struggles, Sarah discovered the mental talent to go along with her considerable physical talent. It’s great to see her faith in herself and the process pay off. I can’t wait to see where it takes her next.”
Edwards began fine-tuning her Pan Am Juniors preparation while on a nine-day family vacation to Hawaii. Later, she did additional prep work at the Bellingham High outdoor track, where she received her start in the sport by following older sister, Megan, a javelin thrower.
“She did track and I always followed my sister. I wanted to do everything she did,” said Edwards with a laugh.
Things did not get off to a good start, however. On the very first day of the 2012 school year, she learned from her doctor that she had a form of brain cancer. Subsequently, Edwards had a brain tumor dissected and has been monitored closely ever since.
“I’ve been very lucky,” Edwards said. “I didn’t have to have any chemotherapy or anything. I’ve only had MRI(s) every few months.”
A healthy Edwards went on to win high school state titles on the track (800 meters and mile) as well as the Div. 2 cross country crown. She is entering her sophomore year at Virginia Tech, where she plans to major in interior design with an eye toward owning her own architecture firm.
And coming home, Edwards’ baggage will weigh a little bit heavier going through U.S. Customs with all that Pan Am gold.