Memorable Moments, 2023: Gorriaran Claims 800m Title At NBN

What better way to keep our content flowing here at Ocean State Running than to recognize the top moments of the outdoor track season of 2023. Over the next few weeks, OSR will highlight some of the finer performances by our track & field athletes. Congratulations to all our athletes. If you didn’t make our list, it doesn’t mean you were forgotten. Your hard work and dedication certainly made it another memorable season as a whole for us here at OSR.

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Memorable Moments. 2023: Gorriaran Claims 800m Title At NBN

Unlike the winter campaign, Sophia Gorriaran ran a limited number of races this past spring season. Prior to the State Meet in early June, the Moses Brown grad only competed in one meet beyond the borders, focusing more of her attention on her training and the postseason. In addition to the states, that postseason included one last trip to the nationals and the USATF U20 Championships. Providing the perfect bookend to a stellar high school career, we’re listing Gorriaran’s performance in the 800-meter run at the New Balance Nationals as her most memorable. Competing in an event that she’s made her own since her freshman year, the Harvard commit claimed her speciality on the meet’s final day with a meet record and winning time of 2 minutes, 4.59 seconds. Gorriaran earned gold with a gutsy effort against top rival and eventual second-place finisher Angelina Napolean of Alleghany -Limestone (NY), who was timed in 2:05.53, After pushing the pace for much of the race, Gorriaran was passed by Napolean with less than 200m left. That didn’t effect the mindset of the Quaker standout, who responded with one final spurt on the last turn to capture her second national title in the 800m. She also won the individual crown at the adidas Indoor Nationals in March.

*Gorriaran’s season isn’t finished quite yet. She followed her victory at New Balance, where she also broke her own state record in the mile, by earning a ticket to the Pan Am U20 Championships In Puerto Rico (Aug. 4-6). She earned spots on the starting line by winning the 800m and placing second in the 1,500m a the USATF U20 Championships (July 6-9) at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.