* Rachel Forsyth is one of the top distance runners in the country
Photo Credit: David Nguyen/MileSplit
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This past weekend, a pair of record-breaking seniors added more accolades to their resumes.
American Fork senior Daniel Simmons and Ann Arbor Pioneer senior (MI) Rachel Forsyth took center stage at meets in Oregon and Michigan, leaving their marks on history.
This fall, both stars will stay close to home, with Simmons heading to BYU and Forsyth heading to Michigan State. Check below for more information on what the pair accomplished over the weekend at the Portland Track Festival and the MITCA Champions Festival.
Daniel Simmons, American Fork (UT)
Class of 2024
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The American Fork superstar added another 5,000m high school national record to his resume this past weekend, clocking a time of 13:25.86 at the Portland Track Festival.
Simmons, who already owns the indoor record of 13:38.86, became the first high schooler to ever run under 13:30.
In a field loaded with professionals, the future Cougar kept his cool, coming through the 3,000m mark in 8:09.34, followed by a 57.66 for the bell lap.
Simmons' senior campaign isn't done yet, as he's set to toe the line in a historically fast New Balance Nationals Outdoor mile field.
Rachel Forsyth, Ann Arbor Pioneer (MI)
Class of 2024
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The future Michigan State Spartan has had a picture-perfect senior season, winning titles and earning five personal best times since August.
At the MITCA Champions Festival, Forsyth picked up her 14th win in 15 races, stopping the clock at 2:03.87. That performance was a huge PB and a new Michigan state record.
The previous record was back in 2005 when Grand Blanc legend Geena Gall ran 2:05.05. That is also the second-fastest time in the nation this spring, trailing only Sadie Engelhardt.
This spring in the 800m and 1,600m, Forsyth has run 2:03.87 and 4:38.28, which are No. 1 times in Michigan history. She's also run a pretty fast time of 56.42 in the 400m, which is 58th best in state history.
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COROS Distance Athlete of the Week
Week 1: Ben Gabelman and Clemmie Lilley earn the first week's honor
Week 2: New Balance champions Daniel Simmons and Elizabeth Leachman rise up
Week 3: Sadie Engelhardt and Jason Parra take the tape
Week 4: Riley Smith and Braelyn Combe pick up week four honors
Week 5: Clay Shively and Addy Ritzenhein snag state records
Week 6: Patrick Hilby and Isabel Allori win at Arcadia, pick up AOW honors
Week 7: Californians Jason Parra and Jaelyn Williams take AOW honors
Week 10: Daniel Simmons and Addison Dorenkamp Score Top Honors
Week 11: Evan Noonan and Nicki Southerland Snag Wins, NPOTW Honors
Week 12: Griffith, Engelhardt make history at HOKA Festival of Miles