Clovis, California (KFSN) – Asking Rhiannon Walker to run with his medals is a heavy task.
Last season, the Fresno High graduate brought the Clovis Community College his very first state championship to any sport by winning the 3,000 -meter steeple.
Now Walker is a state champion four times, more recently defending her steplechase title and winning gold at 10,000 meters at the 3C2A championships of this month.
“My trainer, CJ, knew that I could win it, so he wanted to be me in it and win it,” she said.
CJ coach is a long -lived rider and a 50,000 world record holder CJ Albertson.
In relation: CJ Albertson The best American finisher at the Boston 2024 marathon
“Yeah, I’m just another person-I’m their coach,” he said.
When he does not train for marathons around the world in what he calls his house chicken coop, the former Buchanan star is the head coach of the Cross-Country team and the track of the Clovis community.
“It’s really incredible because he has done so much and had such a good career, but he’s so humble on this subject,” said Walker.
The Walker-Albertson connection hardly occurred.
Leaving Fresno High, Rhiannon has embarked on the state of Fresno.
“I literally accepted my request, and he (CJ) sent a very long text to the reasons why I should not go, waste my money, all things,” she said.
“For any reason, I felt as if I had this intestinal feeling of:” No, you should come here. I think you will do well. “”
The feeling of intestine from Albertson worked, and Walker has become the most decorated athlete of the school.
“It was the best decision because I trained under one of the best runners of all time,” said Walker.
With a multitude of medals around his neck, Albertson says that Rhiannon is the brilliant example of the program of what is possible.
“Even if you do not win, even if you are not a quadruple champion of state, it is always an ideal place to come,” he said.
With records in hand and its Juco eligibility at the end, Rhiannon is now looking to make history at Fresno State.
The second year student has again committed to being a bulldog, which even an Albertson phone call cannot stop this time.
“I think there is something to come from the valley, stay in the valley and make history in the valley,” she said.
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