Top 10 Finish For New Rochelle 8th Grader At USATF Nationals

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — As spring officially arrived with the glint of expectation, the budding career of a promising New Rochelle track star marked an impressive milestone on the national stage.

Rosie Palmer, an 8th grade student at Albert Leonard Middle School, finished in the top 10 at the USATF Nationals in the 3000m at Ocean Breeze over the weekend. Coming in 9th place with a time of 11:11, she smashed her previous personal best time by 8 seconds.

Palmer has a lot to be proud of, especially given that much of the two and a half years she has been running competitively has taken place in the age of COVID-19. Because of pandemic protocols, this is only her second indoor track season.

Though fiercely competitive, Palmer's infectious smile makes it clear she is having fun with the sport she loves. She isn't, however, ready to rest on her recent laurels.

"I hope to break 11 minutes for the 3000m in the spring," Palmer said, "And more importantly to continue enjoying the great friendships that you get from being in a running team."

Palmer cultivated her passion for running with her CYO team but has since caught the attention of her future high school coaches.

While still in middle school, she also currently runs for New Rochelle High School. She posted the fastest times this year for girls in the high school for 1500m and 3000m events and broke into the top 10 of all-time high school runners in the 3000m since records went digital.

Palmer puts her success down to hard work and great coaches, including Coach Stefan from CYO and Coach Cap from NRHS. She noted the value of having great teammates at school can't be underestimated.

"To be competing on a national stage two years after New Rochelle went into COVID lockdown is massive," Palmer said. "I entered the race as an individual, but I run for my family, friends, running mates, coaches and the New Rochelle community. Two years on: New Rochelle strong."