Joslin Blair Strikes Gold In Italy

Joslin Blair claimed victory at the WMRA Mountain Running International Youth Cup in Italy.

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Joslin Blair is exactly one month removed from her first state title, which came in the 1,600, and she clearly enjoyed the sweet taste of victory, because the Eagle Valley sophomore went overseas to represent the red, white, and blue on the trails for the WMRA Mountain Running International Youth Cup (U18) in Lanzada, Italy this past weekend.

Blair led a tight field of 46 international competitors to win the two-lap, 4.3 kilometer course in 23:50, which was 11 seconds ahead of Ezgi Kaya from Turkey. The win was a first-ever medal for Team USA.

In an interview with the American Trail Running Association, Blair shared her thoughts on the race:

"I'm so honored to have represented Team USA in Italy," she said. "The course was a true mountain course and absolutely beautiful. I was grateful for the opportunity to run with such great teammates and athletes as well as being able to see my training come together."

As impressive as Blair's win was, she wasn't the only Coloradan to tally a stellar performance. Not-so-ironic enough, Team USA had five members from the Centennial State.

Anna Shults gave Team USA its second top-10 finish, as the Peak to Peak junior crossed the line seventh in 25:26. Carley Bennett was next two Colorado across the finish line, finishing 35th. 

Team USA finished third in the team competition, behind host-country Italy, and Romania. 

Representing Colorado, and Team USA, on the boy's side were Jaden Evans and Colin Szuch. Evans led the boys squad with a 21st place finish, just ahead of Szuch, who finished 25th.

In the team competition Team USA finished seventh. England claimed the overall title, just ahead of France, and Italy.