GETTING TO KNOW......Hiruni Wijayaratne

Prior to Saturday's U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon in Los Angeles we caught up with Hiruni Wijayaratne, 25, of Evansville, Ind. to learn more about her running, how she felt when she learned she had qualified for the Trials, and her life beyond running; including, who she would most like to have lunch with, her role model, her favorite athlete, and something a bit unique about herself.  Also learn how she went from missing the qualifying time by 1 second to learning she had qualified when the standards were modified in December.
 
This will be Hiruni’s first Olympic Trials.  
 
So let's get to know Hiruni a bit better...

How did you start running

I wanted to "get in shape for Spring soccer" my freshman year of high school. I ran XC, and never looked back!

Where did you qualify for the Trials?

2014 Indianapolis monumental marathon. I ran 2:43.34

Tell us about the point you realized you had  qualified for the Trials and how it felt.

I found out I had qualified for the Trials when USATF announced the adjusted qualifying times in December. 

High School

Herndon High School (2009), Herdon, Virginia 

High School Best Times

• 1 mile: 4:57
• 3000m: 9:52
• 3200m: 10:30
• 5000m: 17:44

High School Highlights

• 8th place at the 2008 Penn relays - 3000m
• 2008 Virginia State Champion - 3200m
• School record holder in 3200m, 2 mile, 1 mile

College

University of Kentucky - 2013 (bachelor) 2014 (Masters)  

College Best Times

• 1500M: 4:39
• 3000m: 9:46
• 5000m: 17:04

College Highlights

Nothing special. My college career was very mediocre 

Club/Sponsor

Brooks 

Current Coach

Thomas Morgan 

Number of Olympic Trials

First time 

Occupation

Executive Team Leader for Target Corp

Something unique about you

I was born in Sri Lanka.

Favorite Workout

Progression long runs. These force you to run fast on tired legs. I ways feel so accomplished after nailing a good progression! 

Favorite Place to Train

Boulder, Colorado. However my favorite place to train in my home town in on the Evansville Greenway.  It's marked every half mile, and the elevation changes make you work hard!

Favorite Food

LOVE Dairy Queen Blizzards. 

If you could have lunch with one person who would it be?   

Agent Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds (He's my celeb crush) 

Your Role Model

My mom. She's not athletic by any means, but she taught me to work hard and never yield, When chasing dreams. 

Favorite Athlete

My fiancé Luis Orta

Goal at Trials

I'd love to run a PR and feel competitive doing so!