Kerri Gallagher is preparing for the biggest race of her career.
The former Bishop Kearney and Fordham University star is racing in the 1,500 meters for Team USA at the International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Beijing on Aug. 22, and has herself ready to give her best.
“Training has been going really well,” Gallagher said. “I had the opportunity to get some good workouts in after coming back from Europe. At this point it is all about maintaining fitness and staying confident, which I think I am doing a good job with.”
Gallagher, who runs for team Oiselle and New York Athletic Club throughout the year, quit her job as a financial planner at Morgan Stanley in 2011. Now she is with the rest of the US Track and Field team training in Narita, Japan, for the championships. She is pretty calm and focused even as the race nears.
“It’s a new experience making this type of time and cultural adjustment, but everyone here in Narita has been overwhelmingly welcoming,” she said.
After qualifying for Worlds, Gallagher competed in the 1,500 in the Diamond League race in Monaco. There she ran 4:06.07, one of her better times of the season, against some of the world’s top runners. Gallagher took gold in her final tune up before the by winning the 800 at the Jentendo International in 2:04.04. She is soaking up the experience she earned,
“Particularly in Monaco, it was very humbling and exciting to be able to line up in a field like that and really test my racing,” she said. “It made me that more excited to keep pushing my boundaries and to compete at Worlds.”
Following the Diamond League race, Gallagher took a break from competition and worked at the American Running camp. The camp helped add to her excitement of going to Worlds as she got a chance to interact with some great coaches and enthusiastic campers gearing up for their cross-country seasons
“It made for a really special week before coming to Japan for final prep for Worlds,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher is grateful for all the support she has received as she gets ready for the biggest race of her life, will be broadcast on the NBC networks at 11:15 p.m.
“It is an incredible honor to be able to represent team USA,” she said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity and am thankful for all the support from friends, family, coaches, Oiselle and New York Athletic Club for getting me here.”
