Record-setting athlete wins distinguished student award

Elijah Armstrong spends a good deal of time at the track, running.

“You know, I think with me it’s just that competitiveness,” Armstrong said. ” You can push yourself. There’s no one else you have to rely on to push yourself — it’s completely you as an individual.”

This past weekend Armstrong capped off his high school track career with a record-setting performance at the state track meet. He took first place in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter races. In his high school track and cross country career he’s won the most individual races in Idaho history. It’s come with a lot of hard work, six days a week.

“I get up at 3:30 (a.m.) with my father and Malachi, my younger brother,” Armstrong said. “We do a 30 to 45 minute core workout and then head out on a run ranging from six to nine miles, come back, eat, usually try to get a nap in right before school. Right after school we head out back on another run. In all, it’s about five to six hours every day. The ultimate goal would be an Olympian and represent team USA in the Olympics.”

Armstrong has signed with Boise State to be on the track team there. After a year, he’ll go on a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Not only is Armstrong an outstanding athlete, he’s smart too. He has a 4.0 GPA and he makes time to serve others by mentoring young runners and visiting the elderly and taking them to church.

“They’re just very genuine people,” Armstrong said. “You’ll never find a more caring and loving type people than the elderly people that I’ve worked with.”