Olivia Rintala 2009 All-American Honors

San Jose, CA - If there is any event that had many new faces, it's the 800 meters. You don't have to look far back from the talent that will be missed as 5 of the top finishers from 2008 season were all senior youths. That doesn't mean, however, that there wasn't still plenty of talent to be showcased for this season.

The roster of contestants was loaded, as athletes like Nijae Jones, Sasha Wallace and Sophie Hartley dotted the line-up. But there was also plenty of new comers around that would make the distance races worth watching....... Enter Olivia Rintala.

Olivia entered 2009 with a high that not many runners have experienced while running 2:28 to open up. This first time age-grouper clearly established herself as one to keep an eye on.

The 800m was thought to be the easiest race to lable a favorite, as Nijae Jones clearly established herself as the one to beat coming of an exciting season in 08 that saw her run a personal best in 2:17 and some seconds. But Olivia would be the darkhorse in the field and her first year would provide a strong challenge for new comer. But she would punched her ticket as a deep threat when she ran 2:23.26 at the Umoja Invitational to hold off race favorite Nijae Jones for the win.

That success would moved forward for Olivia as she would continue to improve under the pressure, coming up big numerous times and showing that she's taken that step into becoming a consistent contender.

Says Coach Gabe "She's really hit her stride in her final days to end the season. I hate for it to be over with but its been long and I need her to rest and enjoy some summer. She has a lot of room for development going into high school so I look forward to seeing what she can do."

After a great age group season which included Two Youth olympic medals, a Personal best 800 clocking 2:19.53 and gaining All-American Honors. Olivia is now in the hands of Archbishop Mitty who will look to her to represent this season in the event. with the lost of senior Stephnie John, Olivia will join the ranks of Junior Nicole Ellis to give them plenty of firepower for 2010.

Olivia was one of the few two-sport athletes last season, while helping lead the South San Jose Hurricanes Soccer Team through their season. With plenty of decision making on her plate. should she decide to hang the cleats up then With so much success behind her it seems only natural that she is next in line to join a class group of High School distance runners.