We knew Pinecrest freshman Carmen Alder was the real deal, but she confirmed her status as a superstar this weekend at Raleigh Relays when she took down a loaded 3200 field in 10:36.58 -- even with an NXN and Foot Locker finalist in it.
That time is US No. 3 for all freshmen and US No. 19 overall.
Alder led from the gun, showing no fear -- even as a freshman in her first major outdoor race of her career.
But this isn't a major surprise, as Alder ran 4:59.67 for the full mile at New Balance Indoor Nationals this winter to win the girls freshman division. She also took third in the NCHSAA 4A Indoor State 1600m and 1000m and then won the 3200m to cap off a great day.
Below are the splits provided by FlashResults.com from the girls 3200.
Alder took the pace from the gun and did not let up.
Alder's 10:36.58 moves her up to NC No. 17 All-Time in the 3200m and is the second fastest 3200m run by a freshman since Wesley Frazier's 10:22.76 at Raleigh Relays in 2010.
Alder had a historic season and career ahead, and this is certainly just the beginning. In cross country she was a star winning the majority of her races only losing at the adidas XC Challenge and the NCHSAA State Championship during the regular season. But this dominating performance shows that Alder is really starting to become a superstar at the state level.
