Schweizer surpasses one of her idols in Millrose 3,000

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

NEW YORK – Growing up in Iowa, Karissa Schweizer always enjoyed watching Jenny (Barringer) Simpson compete. Simpson, who ran for the University of Colorado and now New Balance, was born in Webster City, Iowa.

So on Saturday, when Schweizer crossed the finish line in the women's 3,000 meters at the 111th NYRR Millrose Games, realizing she beat Simpson's all-time collegiate record, it meant a little more.

“Huge,” Schweizer said of what the moment meant at The Armory. “Especially being from Iowa and just continuing on that tradition... even to be considered up with her; growing up I always watched her when I was little. It's truly amazing.”

Schweizer's time of 8 minutes, 41.60 seconds for fourth place behind professionals Aisha Praught-Leer, Emma Coburn and Dominique Scott bested Simpson's time of 8:42.03 set in 2009. 

Praught-Leer came away with the victory and Jamaican indoor record in 8:41.10. Scott lowered her own South African indoor record to 8:41.18 and Coburn became the No. 4 all-time American performer at 8:41.16.

Schweizer's performance came just a week after running 4:27.54 in the mile at the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge at The Armory. Her time was the fastest this season and fourth all-time in NCAA history. 

“Definitely wasn't expecting that,” Schweizer said of her record. “Just went out and I was competitive. I knew it was going to be a fast pace.”

Schweizer was able to stay with the lead pack for the entire race and took the lead briefly. She said that wasn't in her plan, but she had the opportunity.

“In my head I was like, 'I'm just going to go for it,'” she said.

After the race, Schweizer and Coburn, one of her role models, exchanged a few words. 

“I just wanted to tell her that I admire her and am impressed by her,” Coburn said. “I really respect when collegiate athletes race with aggression and confidence. I watched her race for a few years and always root for her.”