Dalia Frias

### The Rise of Dalia Frias: A Track and Field Star

In the world of track and field, few athletes have risen as swiftly and impressively as Dalia Frias. From her humble beginnings as a high school runner in Manhattan Beach, California, to her current status as a collegiate standout at the University of Oregon, Frias has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible for a young athlete. This article delves into her remarkable journey, highlighting her achievements, career milestones, and the factors that have contributed to her success.

#### Early Beginnings

Dalia Frias first discovered her passion for running during her freshman year of high school. Encouraged by friends who also wanted to try the sport, she began to explore her potential. Initially, she showed promise but lacked the confidence that would later become her hallmark. Despite this, Frias demonstrated a natural talent for distance running, clocking impressive times in her early years. Her breakthrough moment came when she broke the 11-minute barrier in the 3,200 meters during her freshman outdoor season, setting the stage for what would be an incredible high school career[4].

#### High School Achievements

Frias’s high school years were marked by numerous record-breaking performances and accolades. She won the California Division 2 state cross-country title in 2022, leading Mira Costa High School to their first team championship in program history. This achievement was just the beginning of a string of impressive victories. In track and field, Frias dominated the mile and 3,200 meters, setting new California state records and becoming the second-fastest high school girl to run the mile outdoors[3][4].

One of her most memorable performances was at the Azusa Pacific University Meet of Champions Distance Classic in March 2022. With a fierce determination and a strategic approach, Frias surged past Ventura freshman phenom Sadie Engelhardt in the final 200 meters to win the mile in 4:35.06, breaking the 1982 state record held by Polly Plummer[2][4]. This victory not only cemented her status as one of the top high school distance runners but also earned her recognition as the Cal-Hi Sports State Girls Athlete of the Year for 2021-22[3].

#### National Recognition

Frias’s achievements did not go unnoticed. She became the 33rd girl in U.S. history to break 10 minutes in the 3,200 meters, running 9:59.94 in a weekday tri-meet[2]. Her dominance continued with a national high school outdoor record in the 2-mile, clocking 9:50.70 at the Brooks PR Invitational in Washington[3]. These performances placed her firmly in the national spotlight, earning her a spot among the top-ranked distance runners in the country.

#### Transition to College

After an illustrious high school career, Frias made the decision to attend Duke University before transferring to the University of Oregon. At Oregon, she has continued to excel in distance events. In the 2023 ACC Indoor Championships, Frias was part of the Blue Devils’ distance-medley relay team that set a school-record time of 10:49.87[1]. Her individual performances have also been impressive, with a personal best of 4:44.20 in the mile and an indoor 3K best time of 9:20.28 at the Music City Challenge[1].

#### Collegiate Success

Frias’s collegiate career has been marked by consistent improvement and significant achievements. At the 2024 PAC-12 Track and Field Championships, she finished seventh in the 5000 meters with a time of 16:48.79[5]. Her ability to adapt to new environments and maintain her high level of performance is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

#### Impact on the Sport

Dalia Frias’s impact on track and field extends beyond her impressive personal achievements. She has inspired a new generation of young athletes, particularly those from Southern California, to take up distance running. Her humility and willingness to stay true to herself have made her a role model for aspiring runners. Frias’s journey from an underclassman with early doubts about her abilities to a national-caliber athlete is a story that resonates with many young athletes facing similar challenges[4].

#### Conclusion

Dalia Frias is more than just a talented athlete; she is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and confidence. From her high school days to her current collegiate career, Frias has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible for a young distance runner. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with the right mindset and training, anything can be achieved. As she continues to excel in the world of track and field, Dalia Frias remains a shining star in the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the track and field community.

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### Key Achievements:
– **California Division 2 State Cross-Country Title (2022)**: Led Mira Costa High School to their first team championship in program history.
– **California State Mile Record (2022)**: Ran 4:35.06 at the Azusa Pacific University Meet of Champions Distance Classic.
– **National High School Outdoor Record in the 2-Mile (2022)**: Clocking 9:50.70 at the Brooks PR Invitational in Washington.
– **Cal-Hi Sports State Girls Athlete of the Year (2021-22)**: Recognized for her outstanding performances in track and cross-country.
– **ACC Indoor Championships (2023)**: Part of the Blue Devils’ distance-medley relay team that set a school-record time of 10:49.87.
– **PAC-12 Track and Field Championships (2024)**: Finished seventh in the 5000 meters with a time of 16:48.79.

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Dalia Frias’s journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance, growth, and achievement. As she continues to excel in the world of track and field, her impact on the sport will only continue to grow, inspiring future generations of athletes to push beyond their limits and strive for greatness.

Go Dalia!