Rising Stars: Madison L.

Madison L. is a 9th grade high school student who represents everything Elevated Distance Training stands for. She leads by example in every sense — through her work ethic, her preparation, her consistency, and the standard she sets for those around her. Running is not just something she does; it is a way of life. Every workout, every race, every goal is approached with purpose.

Maddie is extremely coachable. She listens, applies feedback immediately, and trusts the process. Over the past four years with Elevated, she has intentionally developed herself into a true middle distance runner — one who embraces competition and seeks out the best competition available. She believes that racing the best brings out the best in her, and her performances consistently prove that mindset right.

She is the most decorated athlete in EDT program history. From the 400m, 800m, and mile on the track to 3k, 4k, and 5k cross country courses, she has not met a race she cannot run. Her personal bests reflect both range and strength:800m – 2:11Mile – 4:543k – 10:544k – 13:435k – 16:58

Her accomplishments already include breaking the sub-5 minute mile barrier, qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) as a freshman and placing top 25, and earning top-three finishes at both the Brooks PR Invitational and USA Track & Field Junior Olympics. Yet she carries herself with humility and a smile that is rarely absent. She gravitates toward teammates who match her positive, goal-oriented mentality and elevates the culture simply by being herself.

Cross country is her favorite season. She loves the variety of terrain — dirt, water crossings, mud — and the mental strength it demands. More than anything, she values the team dynamic and the shared challenge of racing together. For Maddie, cross country builds both grit and connection.

What makes her such a strong runner is her internal drive. She sets goals, writes them down, and uses them daily as fuel. She is energized by the chase. She loves the feeling of knowing that the hard work is done — that the workouts were hit — and that race day is simply the payday. That mindset continues to push her toward big upcoming goals: sub-2:10 in the 800m, top three at state, competing at the Arcadia Invitational, and ultimately chasing a 4:45 mile.

Her advice to new runners is simple and reflective of who she is:“Always smile because that is what is going to get you through the tough days and make you want to come back for more.”

Outside of running, Maddie enjoys football, volleyball, and shopping. Her favorite pre-race dinner is spaghetti and meatballs, her go-to post-race treat is chicken tenders with ketchup, and her favorite ChicknLegs design is Grey Porta Potties. Some of her favorite EDT memories include team trips — especially Washburn — laughing between races, bonding at the hotel, and the simple joy of being together. She also cherishes running in new places, from Costa Rica to Virginia Beach to Hawaii.

Maddie has big dreams for her future, and she leaves no doubt that she takes them seriously. She shows up every day ready to work, ready to improve, and ready to compete. We are excited to see what she accomplishes next. The sky is the limit.