The world looked forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics. While track and field fans were gearing up for some tantalizing action, athletes were training to put their best foot forward. In fact, leading up to the magnum opus, Amanda Vestri was already riding the waves of victory. The Syracuse star clocked a career-best finish in the women’s 10,000m event at the Sound Running in San Juan, California. Breaking the 32-minute barrier for the first time in her career, she scorched past the finish line in 31:54.2. 

After a magnificent show at the meet, the long-distance runner hoped to leave an indelible mark on the track at the historic Hayward Field. Even though the 25-year-old didn’t fare as expected amid a raucous crowd, the sprinter recently turned heads with a phenomenal performance. What did she do? 

Amanda Vestri puts her best foot forward in her debut

On December 7, the 25-year-old contested at the OUC Orlando Half Marathon in Orlando. Even though she had never competed in an event like this, the long-distance runner wanted to challenge herself. Despite it being her debut on the track, Amanda Vestri left everyone in the dust by crossing the finish line in 1:08:12. CITIUS Mag celebrated her stunning achievement by sharing the news on X, “SHE’S IN HER HALF MARATHON ERA. 👊 “

What is the OUC Orlando Half Marathon, you ask? Hosted by Track Shack, the two-day celebration unites the running community through Downtown Orlando. Going through scenic streets throughout the city, the Half Marathon finally concluded at the beautiful Lake Eola Park. However, this wasn’t supposed to be her iconic debut, no! The long-distance runner was slated to contest at the Valencia Half Marathon in October. So, what could have delayed it?

Unfortunately, Amanda Vestri injured herself and decided to skip it. Yet, after a speedy recovery, the 25-year-old resumed training in St. Augustine, Florida, last month after Hurricane Helene affected her setup in the Blowing Rock. However, things weren’t as smooth sailing for the runner back in July. After clinching a win in the TrackTown Women’s 10,000m event, she finally had the chance to contest at the Olympic Trials in Hayward field. 

The 25-year-old’s impressive time of 31:54.2 gave her a strong chance of qualifying for the 10,000m run at the historic Hayward Field. Yet, she missed her chance by a whisker. Unfortunately for the runner, her time of 32:11.00 was only good enough for a fifth-place finish. With this, her chase of Olympic glory ended before it even began. However, the track and field community were enthralled by her performance in Orlando and didn’t hold back. What did they have to say?

Track and field fans were overjoyed by the long-distance runner’s feat

Numerous track and field fans couldn’t help but congratulate the long-distance runner on a stunning debut. One fan stated, “Wow! Amanda Vestri crushes her half marathon debut with a 1:08:12 win at Track Shack’s Orlando Half. I believe that puts her at No. 13 on the U.S. all-time list. 🇺🇸 She went for it! Splits: 16:10 at 5K; 32:04 at 10K; 48:09 at 15K Did so much of it solo! She’s been training in St. Augustine in the lead-up.” This fan was particularly elated by her progress.

After Hurricane Helene ruined some of her setup, Amanda Vestri moved her base to St. Augustine. An injury in October had derailed her progress, but she looked forward to redeeming herself from the disappointing result during the U.S. Olympic Trials at the historic Hayward Field. And her efforts didn’t go unnoticed!

Another fan exclaimed, “Excellent debut. Huge potential moving forward for Amanda.” Witnessing her run throughout Orlando, this fan truly believed the long-distance runner could push through the upcoming events. A fan agreed, “Great run Amanda!!👏👏👏” It’s safe to say that her stellar performance has truly left fans speechless. 

Now that she has conquered the OUC Orlando Half Marathon what’s next on the runner’s agenda? “The plan is to go to Houston, run Houston Half and then try to qualify for the World team in the half marathon in March in Atlanta,” she told CITIUS Mag. It sounds like she’s got it all planned out.

One fan couldn’t help but cheer her on, “Amanda Vestri (@a_vestri) smashed the course record at the OUC Half Marathon in Orlando in her debut at the distance. 🔥 1:08:12 🔥 #OUCHalf @brooksrunning” Even though she had proved her mettle on the track, this fan was pleasantly surprised by her first time in the event. Another fan simply said, “Amazing job” Now that she’s looking forward to qualifying for the World team, what would she have to take on next?

Amanda Vestri looks forward to qualifying for Team USA. But to make that happen, the 25-year-old would have to compete in the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon, taking place on March 2, 2025. The top three men and women finishers will then qualify for the World Road Running Championships in San Diego from September 26 to 28, 2025. Will you be cheering her on?