Oklahoma State University Athletics
Juodeskaite Runs Olympic Standard Time
October 11, 2015 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
CHICAGO – Oklahoma State senior distance runner Monika Juodeskaite reached an Olympic qualifying time of 2:34.29 at the Chicago Marathon, Sunday.
In just her first career marathon, the decorated Cowgirl finished 127th overall and 14th among women in one of the world's premier marathons. Her time was more than two minutes faster than the Olympic "A" standard mark to qualify for the XXXI Olympiad in Rio De Janeiro.
"I'm feeling awesome, I loved it," Juodeskaite said. "I never thought I would love marathons but I want to do another one.
"I'm lucky I have support from all my teammates and my coaches, so today it was like I was running for everyone not just myself. I had a great running partner and without them I couldn't have done this."
Although she ran a 6:16 mile to end the race, she started fast, running sub-six minute miles for the first 35 kilometers and still managed to finish more than four minutes faster than the 15th place finisher.
"She's only 24 and that's really young for any marathon especially a big one like this," coach Dave Smith said. "It's just an incredible performance. It shows how really mentally tough she is because she got a little aggressive in the middle, but managed to cross the line even though her last mile was a little bit of a struggle."
Juodeskaite's time is currently 234th in the world and the third best time by a Lithuanian woman in 2015. If Juodeskaite's time stands, she will be added to the Lithuanian Olympic team for the 2016 Games.
"Everyone is excited back home and everyone in Stillwater is excited," Juodeskaite said. "I look forward to better races and the chance to be an Olympian."
The Cowgirl senior will return to Stillwater for training. She will not compete in the cross country season, but has eligibility remaining for the for the upcoming indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.
In just her first career marathon, the decorated Cowgirl finished 127th overall and 14th among women in one of the world's premier marathons. Her time was more than two minutes faster than the Olympic "A" standard mark to qualify for the XXXI Olympiad in Rio De Janeiro.
"I'm feeling awesome, I loved it," Juodeskaite said. "I never thought I would love marathons but I want to do another one.
"I'm lucky I have support from all my teammates and my coaches, so today it was like I was running for everyone not just myself. I had a great running partner and without them I couldn't have done this."
Although she ran a 6:16 mile to end the race, she started fast, running sub-six minute miles for the first 35 kilometers and still managed to finish more than four minutes faster than the 15th place finisher.
"She's only 24 and that's really young for any marathon especially a big one like this," coach Dave Smith said. "It's just an incredible performance. It shows how really mentally tough she is because she got a little aggressive in the middle, but managed to cross the line even though her last mile was a little bit of a struggle."
Juodeskaite's time is currently 234th in the world and the third best time by a Lithuanian woman in 2015. If Juodeskaite's time stands, she will be added to the Lithuanian Olympic team for the 2016 Games.
"Everyone is excited back home and everyone in Stillwater is excited," Juodeskaite said. "I look forward to better races and the chance to be an Olympian."
The Cowgirl senior will return to Stillwater for training. She will not compete in the cross country season, but has eligibility remaining for the for the upcoming indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.
Players Mentioned
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