Sachem High School has produced some outstanding athletes but what was accomplished this week has to be near the top of the list for alumni accomplishments.
Lauren Harris won her first National Title in the 20k race walk. In winning the event she broke her own national and area record while solidifying her world ranking.
What makes this even more of a cherry on top for Sachem is that fellow Sachem alum, Olympian, Hall of Famer, and racewalking legend Maria Michta-Coffey, finished in second place. The two share a unique bond that goes beyond just being from the same High School as she actually is Harris's coach.
The 26-year-old Harris begins her day at 4am for training and then is off to teach middle-school, where she is a math teacher and track coach.
While at Sachem East she captured the national high school girls outdoor record in the 1500m race walk, the with Marist University she continued her winning ways earning a nod on the MAAC All-Academic Team (XC, ITF, OTF) in 2018-2019 and again in 2019-2020.
Race walking is a long-distance high-speed walk that differs from a traditional foot race. One foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times. Race judges carefully assess that this is maintained throughout the race.
Race walking was recently in the Summer Olympics, in the 20k race walk (men and women) and the marathon race walk mixed relay.