10x NCHSAA state champion and BYU freshman Carmen Alder (Pinecrest) clocked 4:16.30 in the 1,500m this weekend at the Stanford Invitational to break the Ecuadorian national record, previously held by her mother, Janeth Caizalitín. The previous record of 4:17.70 has stood since the 1990 Ibero-American Games.
"It feels very special to break my mom's record," Alder said, "I remember my mom always telling me that one day I could break her record, I don't think it's still quite hit me."
"It has been a great blessing for me to share my passion and love for running with Carmen," Caizalitín said, "I am happy to watch her getting better and break my records!"
Caizalitín won the gold medal at the South American Games in 1988 in the 800m and 1,500m. She represented her country in the 1992 Summer Olympics, competing in the 3,000m. Alder's father, Daniel, ran for BYU as well.
Alder is NC No. 3 all-time in the 1,600m, and NC No. 11 all-time in the 5,000m in cross country. She is in the middle of her freshman season at BYU.
"My time at BYU has made me a better athlete because of the people I am surrounded with. The team culture is truly special. Coach Taylor is an amazing coach and getting to be teammates with some of the fastest girls in the nation who are the most down to earth people, and not only the fastest, but the kindest people I've ever met." It's safe to say that Alder has found her home at BYU.
Read MileSplit's 2020 feature on the Alder family.
