36. Libbie Hickman- 2000 Olympian Wrapping up Women's History Month

Bonus Episode! Today on Conversation Pace with Front Range Elte we are wrapping up Women's History Month chatting with our own Fort Collins Olympian, Libbie Hickman! Libbie was a standout distance runner who represented the United States in the 10,000 meters at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.Over the course of her career, she competed in three WorldChampionships- the 5,000 meters in 1995 and 1997, and stepping up to the 10,000 in 1999.Libbie ran collegiately here at Colorado State University and made history in 1997 becoming the first American woman in 14 years to win the Bolder Boulder.She has so many great lessons to share with us and this feels like the perfect way to wrap up our appreciation for the many amazing women who have contributed to the improvement in women's sports.Her Olympic journey had its share of setbacks. She first qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1988, simply happy to have made the final. By 1992, she was on an upward trajectory but suffered her first major injury, ironically, while balancing training with photo shoots for press coverage, including her first Runner’s World cover. The injury kept her from competing in the trials.The 1996 Olympic Trials proved even more heartbreaking. She missed making the team by a fraction of a second, an experience that tested her resilience. As an alternate, she went through all the motions, sizing for opening ceremony outfits, uniforms, and even the iconic Olympic ring, fully aware that she wouldn’t be competing. The experience was painful, and there were moments when she couldn’t hold back tears.By 1996, she had developed significantly as an athlete, making sacrifices and dedicating herself fully to the sport. But after coming so close, she wasn’t sure if she had the strength to commit to another four-year cycle. It was after long discussions with her coach, Damien, and her husband, Walter, that she realized what truly drove her: the love of competition. In the end, she decided the journey itself mattered more than the fear of falling short. That mindset carried her all the way to the 2000 Olympic Games where her dedication paid off and she represented the USA in the 10,000m.  We hope you enjoy this bonus episode!