By Zach Zook

BLOOMINGTON — She was once one of the fastest runners in the world. Now she’s trying to help young athletes reach their goals

Bloomington native and Arkansas graduate Christin Wurth-Thomas is one of McLean County’s most decorated athletes in its history.

In addition to a litany of awards while at the University of Arkansas, Wurth-Thomas became an Olympian in 2008 and a year later became only the fourth female in history at the time to break four minutes in the 1500-meter competition.

“It’s all about hard work and it’s just dedication and commitment,” Wurth-Thomas said. “Anyone can achieve it if they want to stick their nose in there and do it.”

Wurth-Thomas spoke to student-athletes at the recent State Farm Student-Athlete recognition banquet in Bloomington.

She is retired now with two children, but she still manages to inspire those wanting to reach new heights.

“I really think if anybody is willing to work hard, anything is achievable,” said Wurth-Thomas.

Although her dedication to hard work and mental strength is commendable, her stubbornness to be great is perhaps her best quality of all. The Olympian always refused to be beat, citing her inability to make the finals at the Beijing Olympics as a driving force behind her personal best in Rome a year later.

“I never liked to be told I couldn’t do something,” said the Arkansas graduate. “I didn’t like to be beat and so it was getting that dirty taste in the mouth of being beat that made me propel to make the Olympics.”

Wurth-Thomas currently resides in Arkansas with her husband two children.

Zach Zook can be reached at [email protected].