Isabel Conde De Frankenberg: Dual-National Middle-Distance Prodigy

Isabel Conde De Frankenberg (born September 23, 2005) is a rising star in track and field, excelling in middle-distance events (800m, 1500m, mile) and cross country. Born in Cedar Park, Texas, to Argentine parents, she represents Argentina internationally while competing collegiately for the University of Oregon. Known for her tactical brilliance, endurance, and resilience, Conde De Frankenberg has shattered records on both national and continental stages, positioning herself as a future Olympic contender.

Early Life and Foundations

Conde De Frankenberg grew up in Texas, where she began her athletic career at Cedar Park High School. Inspired by her Argentine heritage, she balanced soccer and running before focusing solely on track. Under coach Hunter Russell, she dominated Texas high school circuits, setting personal bests of 2:05.61 in the 800m and 4:38.55 in the mile—marks that ranked her among the top U.S. juniors. Her versatility extended to cross country, where she earned Gatorade Texas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year (2022) after placing sixth at Nike Cross Nationals and 13th at the Champs Sports National Championships.

Career Highlights and Record-Breaking Performances

High School Dominance (2017–2023)

• 800m: Texas Class 5A state champion (2022), New Balance Nationals Outdoor champion (2022).

• Mile: Clocked 4:38.55 (2022), a top-10 U.S. high school mark.

• Cross Country: Led Cedar Park to team titles, boasting a 5K PR of 16:56.62.

Transition to Argentine Representation (2023–Present)

In July 2023, Conde De Frankenberg transferred allegiance to Argentina, citing familial roots and a desire to elevate the nation’s athletics. Training under coach Ariel Tejera, she rapidly rewrote South American junior records:

• 800m: 2:07.10 (2024), Argentine U20 record.

• Indoor 800m: 2:06.46 (2023), South American U20 record.

• 1,000m Indoor: 2:47.60 (2024), national best.

Collegiate Ascent at Oregon (2024–Present)

Joining the Oregon Ducks in 2024, Conde De Frankenberg aims to bridge her high school success with NCAA prominence:

• 600m Indoor: Opened her collegiate career with 1:37.60 at the 2025 Graduate Classic.

• Training Focus: Emphasizes race modeling, including “broken 800s” workouts (150m hard + 400m at mile pace + 150m hard).

Technical Profile and Versatility

• 800m Strategy: Combines explosive starts with a lethal kick, often closing races in sub-60-second final laps.

• Endurance Base: Cross country background (5K PR: 16:56) enhances her stamina for tactical middle-distance races.

• Versatility: Holds PRs across seven events, from 56.42 in the 400m to 10:25.15 in the 3200m.

Academic and Personal Pursuits

• Academics: Maintained a 5.11 weighted GPA at Cedar Park, earning Academic All-American honors.

• Community Engagement: Volunteered with the Salvation Army, coached youth runners, and served as vice president of environmental and Spanish clubs.

• Cultural Identity: Fluent in Spanish, she credits her Argentine roots for her competitive drive: “Argentina es mi casa… quiero competir toda la vida para este país” (“Argentina is my home… I want to compete for this country forever”).

Legacy and Future Trajectory

Redefining Argentine Athletics

Conde De Frankenberg’s allegiance shift has revitalized Argentina’s middle-distance prospects. Her 2023 performances at the U20 Pan American Championships and South American U20 Championships (Lima) cemented her as a continental leader.

Olympic Aspirations

Targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she aims to:

• Breach 2:00.00 in the 800m.

• Become Argentina’s first female Olympic finalist in the event since Liliana Cragno (1988).

Conclusion

Isabel Conde De Frankenberg’s journey from Texas tracks to Argentine podiums embodies the fusion of talent, identity, and perseverance. As she navigates NCAA competition and international aspirations, her story transcends borders, proving that dual heritage can fuel athletic excellence. With each record shattered, she redefines expectations for Argentine middle-distance running, inspiring a generation to chase greatness on and off the track.

Key Achievements:

• Argentine U20 800m Record Holder (2:07.10).

• New Balance Nationals Outdoor 800m Champion (2022).

• Gatorade Texas Cross Country Player of the Year (2022).

• University of Oregon Distance Standout.

“Every race is a chance to make history—for myself and for Argentina.” — Isabel Conde De Frankenberg.

Go Isabel!