Today's guest is Carmen Pelar Graves. She is a three-time Olympic Trials qualifier in track and field, specializing in the 3000-meter steeplechase, where she holds an impressive personal record of 9:32. Recruited to Roanoke College for soccer, she discovered a talent for track and field, competing as a sprinter and jumper before gradually transitioning to longer distances. Her dedication paid off when she qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials in the steeplechase.
After her professional running career was interrupted by injury, Carmen took a break from the sport, only to rediscover her passion during the pandemic. Coaching herself, she returned to elite competition, earning a spot in the 2021 Olympic Trials and representing Team USA in the steeplechase at the 2022 World Championships.
As a co-founder of Denver Athletics, with her husband Sean, Carmen is deeply committed to fostering community through running. She organizes all-comers track meets to unite Denver’s running community and inspire athletes of all levels. Running professionally for Oiselle, Carmen continues to compete at the highest levels while giving back to the sport she loves.
Learn more more about Denver Athletics here: https://denverathletics.org/