It's official: Minnesotan Dakotah Lindwurm is Paris-bound after clinching the third spot in the U.S. Olympic marathon team in a nail-biting race this past weekend. The 28-year-old runner powered through the Marathon Team Trials in Orlando with a finishing time of 2 hours, 25 minutes and 31 seconds, as reported by FOX 9.
Minnesota’s own Dakotah Lindwurm just made the Olympic team! https://t.co/jch9zqkfxk
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) February 3, 2024
Amidst the sweltering heat that rose well into the 70s, competitors had to adapt to not only just brutal weather conditions, but also to put up with the added challenge of fiercer competition. "I was not expecting this performance," remarked a visibly shocked Fiona O'Keeffe, who broke the American marathon trials record, in a statement obtained by CBS News.
The men's side had its fair share of drama, with BYU alumni and training buddies Conner Mantz and Clayton Young claiming the top two spots. Mantz wowed the spectators by finishing first with a time of 2:09:05, Young tailing him just a second later. The third place went to Leonard Korir who now has to patiently wait until May to see if he'll get the nod for Paris, according to CBS News.
With the Olympic flame set to be lit on July 26, the Paris Games loom on the horizon, as per FOX 9.
