My name is Liliana Camargo, I’m from Yorkville High School and I will be graduating in the year 2025. During the duration of my freshman year, I did not compete in cross country but did so in track. I produced a PR in the 1600 of 5:57 and in the 800m a time of 2:41. I am aware that these times are not to be boasted about, but these times were pivotal to my journey as a runner so I can strive to get better. My career started in 8th grade. Prior to joining the long-distance group, I had no training whatsoever, and I knew that was going to make my journey hard. It showed after my first race ever in the 1600 which I ended up not not finishing. After that first week/race, I decided to work towards something bigger than myself. Thus I was able to make progress fast, leading me to sectionals. This work ethic continues even now, always giving 100%, even if I’m not having a good workout, or if I’m having a rough day prior to practice. Telling myself and encouraging my teammates to flip the switch as well and give it everything is something that has always stuck with me and will continue to. I love to run for my team entrusting they will too! I value creating bonds in and out of the running environment with my teammates, to help encourage positivity and a create a growth mindset to be the best version of oneself. Now having made a jump from my sophomore year PR of 21:09 to a PR of 18:03 this year, I am confident that I will be able to drop time in XC 2024. My times in track of my sophomore year I had a PR in the mile of 5:45 and in the 800m a split of 2:36. Now looking at where I stand I am confident in my training that I will be able to achieve yet another big jump in my times. This year I’m Looking for 5:10 and under in my 1600m. And for my 800m, I would hope to achieve 2:20 or under. I’m looking forward to next year’s track to keep the continued trend in my times.  My goals and aspirations are for sure big but I know how to flip the switch when it comes to working for it.  

The awards that I achieved in XC my junior year were the most improved, All-Conference, All-Regional, and All-Sectional. As far as academics, I received the academic excellence award at my high school as well as Honor and High Honor Roll.  Last year I was in one AP class and now I’m in 3 looking towards next year to be enrolled in 3 more while keeping a GPA currently of 3.9. I love to stay involved in my passions. I am the student director of an after-school orchestra, and I enjoy painting. 

Looking forward ahead to college, I plan to make running a full-time commitment and goal of mine. I would love to run both track and cross country!  I am excited for after high school to start my long-term goal of becoming a lawyer with plans to study law at college. For more information, please email me at lilianacamargo2025@gmail.com.