I am pretty sure she did not have an easy win in Portland, so another? I think Lowen will do better in (warmer/drier) San Diego, but agree the winner likely comes from the top 3 at NXN.
Actually, just occurred to me: she was born in Poland. Not sure if she holds duel citizenship with the US. However, per her WA profile, Natasza competes as a Polish citizen. Like Zofia, she may very well compete in Tallahassee . . . but on the Polish team.
So, similar question: what has Blair Bartlett said about her invitation to race World XC on the US U20 team?
Via USATF Instagram, it looks like Dudek declined the spot and Bartlett took her place.
I am pretty sure she did not have an easy win in Portland, so another? I think Lowen will do better in (warmer/drier) San Diego, but agree the winner likely comes from the top 3 at NXN.
With Summer Wilson now confirmed out of Brooks XC per Flotrack's race preview, no reason to believe anyone in the field will come close to the Big-3.
Will Jaelyn William's familiarity w/Morley Field give her an advantage? If she reigns it in a little until the 2nd ascent up Upas St hill . . . maybe.
Same with Chiara Dailey, though she doesn't appear to have the same fitness level at Dudek/BB/Williams.
So, the NXN trio in a do-over . . . though believe there will be a different order of finish.
Watch live, free, on Flotrack's YT channel beginning 9am PT.
The moment has arrived — we’re crowning the 2024 Brooks XC Champions.The nation’s best boys and girls runners from the Northeast, South, and Midwest regions ...
Same finish as NXN . . . but got there with Dudek essentially leading the entire race with Bartlett chasing right to the tape.
Williams changed strategies, waiting for awhile to catch up to the leading duo then making her first & only move at the bottom of Upas Hill on the 2nd ascent . . . where Jaelyn was promptly ditched by Natasza & Blair who charged up the hill like it was just one of a series of hill repeats on a random weekday workout.
Will be paying close attention to how well BB does in Tallahassee 4 weeks from today. Seems like she should be the best runner on the US U20 team. While Dudek could be in Tallahassee as well if Poland enters her.
After that, have to wonder if Dudek chases down any hs sophomore class records. Sure looks like she has a perfect combination of endurance & foot speed.
Also think BB has a decent chance to bag a hs junior record or two. She would seem to have the most upside of anyone who ran NXN or Brooks given her tennis background until this fall.