Karissa Schweizer was one of just three athletes to represent the University of Missouri at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but her impact was significant. Competing in both the 5000m and 10000m long-distance events, the former Missouri Tiger not only completed the Olympic double but also ranked as one of the top Americans in both races.
The Olympian will surely need some time to recover after all the miles she put on her legs over the span of a week. Competing in both the 5000m and 10000m races totals about 10 miles, and when you factor in all her training and the incredible speed at which she runs, it’s clear her legs have been through the ringer. But this is exactly what Schweizer has been training her whole life to do, and she represented her country brilliantly with two top ten finishes.
Another Top🔟finish for #Mizzou legend Karissa Schweizer at #Paris2024 as she placed 9th in the 10,000 meter final. pic.twitter.com/1QoYTb4649
— Ben Arnet (@BenArnetKOMU) August 9, 2024
Schweizer's Olympic journey began with the 5000m qualifier on August 2nd, where she clocked a time of 14:59.64, securing an eighth-place finish and, more importantly, a spot in the final. After three days of recovery, she returned on August 5th, shaving nearly 15 seconds off her time to finish the final in 14:45.64. This impressive performance earned her a tenth-place finish, making her the second-fastest American in the world at the 5000m distance.
While it isn't common, a handful of athletes do compete in both the 5000m and 10000m races, and it’s a challenging task to qualify for both. However, Schweizer managed to pull off this impressive feat. Those who took on the double were given four days to recover before competing in the 10000m race on August 9th. Unlike the 5000m, there is no qualification round for the 10000m in Paris; the event is a straight final with the 30 qualified runners.
This is where Schweizer truly showcased her talents in Paris, clocking a 10,000m time of 30:51.99. In an incredible effort, she placed 9th, making her the highest-finishing American in the event. When the pressure was at its highest, Schweizer delivered her fastest performance of the season.
Long-distance running is an event where American women have historically struggled to find success at the Olympics. In the 10,000m distance, they've won just two medals in the history of the event and are still chasing their first gold. In the 5,000m, the USA is still searching for its first medal.
As for Schweizer, what’s next remains uncertain. Now 28 years old, she has competed in the last two Olympics and delivered a strong performance in Paris. However, she has repeatedly mentioned the ongoing struggles with injuries, including a recent surgery leading up to the Paris games. Schweizer's legacy as an American distance runner is one to be proud of, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for her.