Track Athlete Sophia Gorriaran ’23 Commits to Harvard University

Moses Brown’s Sophia Gorriaran ’23, is the youngest female track and field athlete ever to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Sophia has run 2:00-flat for 800m, and holds the U18 800m WR Indoor, U18 and U20 Outdoor 600m WR, and is a multiple-time national high school class record-holder indoors and outdoors. 

Sophia announced her decision on Friday, February 10 via webcast to delay the option of turning professional and that she will commit to Harvard University to pursue a degree in Economics while competing in the NCAA.

“I’m thrilled with this choice, and I want to thank Coach Alex Gibby for recruiting me over the past 18 months,” Sophia commented. “I’m also grateful to Coach Kebba Tolbert and Coach Marc Mangiacotti who enabled me to internalize the incredible potential they will provide with a unique and flexible team-coaching effort; one that is designed to specifically maximize my ability as a student athlete at Harvard. I’m inspired by this option and the great possibilities that it affords, and I look forward to being on campus in September! Go Crimson.” 

Sophia is currently ranked U.S. No. 1 in the 500m, 800m, 1000, and the mile in 2023. She holds all-time indoor rankings in the 500m #3 (1:10.42), the 600m #2 (1:27.02), the 800m #2 (2:00.58), the 1000 #2 (2:39.83), and the mile #6 (4:37.54). 

She is the holder of 11 Rhode Island State Track & Field Records, including the Indoor 400m, 500m, 600m, 800m, 1000, 1500m, and the mile, as well as the outdoor 400m, 800m, 1500m, and the mile. 

She holds the national high school class junior indoor records in the 500m (1:11.26) and 800m (2:00.58); sophomore class indoor record in the 600m (1:27.02), indoor record in the 800m (2:02.44), and an outdoor record in the 800m (2:02.26); and a freshman class indoor (2:03.98) and outdoor record (2:02.90) in the 800m. 

Gorriaran also owns the U18 World Record in the indoor 800m (2:00.58) and the U18, U20, and national record in the outdoor 600m (1:25.22). 

Congratulations, Sophia! The Moses Brown community is excited to see where the future takes you!

 

In the News

Keep tabs on this story in the media by checking out the links below!

All-State Runner Sophia Gorriaran of Moses Brown will attend Harvard – Providence Journal (Subscription Needed)

Sophia Gorriaran Commits to Harvard – Women’s Running

The Interview: Sophia Gorriaran Chooses Harvard! – MileSplit

The Decision Behind Sophia Gorriaran’s College Choice – MileSplit

A High School Athlete Can Run With the Best in the World. Is College the Next Step? – Runner’s World