Alicia Monson: A Triumphant Return to the Track

LOS ANGELES — As the vibrant neon blue and green pacing lights flared around the Jack Kemp Stadium track, Alicia Monson cautiously settled onto the back of a train of 21 runners. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of anticipation and nostalgia; yet, the weight of her 16-month absence loomed over her. Just two years prior, Monson, the American record holder in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, would have been leading the pack, her long strides propelling her toward victory. Instead, she was running in unfamiliar territory, nearly thirty meters behind the leaders, a stark reminder of how much had changed.

The Comeback Trail

Monson’s return marked one of the most anticipated comebacks in American track and field this season. “At first, being around so many people felt especially weird,” she reflected after the race, noting the extended hiatus from competition. “I usually find myself at the front, but this time it was definitely a learning curve.” With each passing lap, however, what stood out was not just her tentative demeanor, but a gradual but palpable sense of purpose. By the end of the race, Monson finished sixth in 15 minutes, 1.63 seconds, shattering the U.S. championships automatic qualifying standard of 15:05.

While 42 seconds behind her American record might paint a picture of struggle, Monson’s achievement bore deeper significance. Just months after a debilitating injury—a torn meniscus that threatened both her Olympic dreams and her career—this race signified resilience. “It’s emotional,” said Dathan Ritzenhein, Monson’s coach at the Boulder-based On Athletics Club. “We didn’t expect her to be racing at all this summer, yet she comes back and runs under 15 minutes. It’s one of those situations you don’t know if an athlete can return from.”

Overcoming Adversity

Monson’s extraordinary comeback story is underscored by various layers of adversity. Her toughness became apparent amidst the buzzing chaos of her surroundings, as she remembered her earlier battles. When the Wisconsin administration decided against granting additional eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, Monson signed with On Athletics. In the grueling conditions of the 2021 Olympic Trials, she secured a spot on the Olympic team nearly collapsing from exertion after crossing the finish line. “She’s the toughest person you could imagine,” Ritzenhein remarked. “Her journey exemplifies the grit that characterizes the next greats.”

Monson’s record-breaking exploits in 2023 only added layers to her narrative. She broke the 3,000-meter indoor American record at the Millrose Games and soon followed that with a staggering 10,000-meter time of 30:03.82. Yet her preparation took a dark turn when a stomach issue derailed her sub-30 bid and, not long after, a catastrophic knee injury rendered her sidelined for numerous months.

• Torn men’siscus: recovery time and expectations.
• Delayed return: Impact on psychology and training.
• Physical therapy: Role in regaining competitive edge.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Witnessing the Olympic 5,000 final from the stands of Stade de France became a pivotal moment. “Initially, my family had bought tickets under the assumption I would make the team,” Monson reflected. What turned out to be a blessing in disguise allowed her to spend time with her family. “I got to enjoy my first real vacation in a decade,” she said. Such experiences stood in contrast to her struggles as she faced a lengthy recovery.

The process, however, was anything but linear. Ritzenhein shared, “Every time she would get sick, her knee would swell up. It was a complicated puzzle.” After her surgery, Monson’s return to training was fraught with unexpected setbacks. Bonding through each painstaking training session, her grit made clear why she was an outlier in a world peppered with doubts about recovery. An incident just ten days before her debut saw her clock her first sub-five-minute mile—an indication that she was ready to reclaim her place among the elites.

Navigating Future Challenges

Looking ahead, the road to the World Championships in Eugene is laden with competition. Monson now faces formidable rivals, including her teammate Josette Andrews, who set the season’s U.S. leading time at 14:25.37. With seasoned Olympians like Elise Cranny and Karissa Schweizer in the mix, the stakes couldn’t be higher. “We still don’t know what to make of her progression,” said Ritzenhein. However, the coach also recognizes the essential quality that fuels Monson’s performance: her relentless spirit.

“It’s about finding that healthy balance and ensuring we aren’t pushing beyond what her body can handle,” he emphasized, reflecting on her previous setbacks. Monson herself remarked, “The goal today was to start, finish, and build momentum.” Indeed, the return to form is not just about racing; it encapsulates a larger narrative of resilience and determination.

As she reveled in the thrill of competition once again, Monson’s smile, radiant between gasps for air, told a powerful story—a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance. “Sixteen months ago feels like another lifetime,” she said, processing this newfound reality. Racing back towards the forefront of American distance running, Monson exemplifies the essence of endurance sports: it’s not merely about the finish line, but also the journey that shapes athletes’ lives and spirits.