photo: Bobby Reyes / MileSplit Colorado
Christian Groendyk, 18, a senior at Fort Collins High School got his start in running six years ago when he realized that he just was not competitive in soccer anymore but he could outrun all of the players on the field. Soccer's loss was cross country's win. Since then he has gone on to win Colorado state titles, earn Athlete of the Year recongition from Gatorade and USATF Colorado, and represent Team USA at the World U20 Mountain Running Championships. He has announced he will matriculate to Princeton University in the fall where he plans to study psychology. But before heading back east he has lofty goals to finish out his senior year. In our interview below with Christinia we learn more about his college decision, who he would most like to have dinner with, his favorite food, his favorite athlete, his go-to social media platform, his goals for the remainder of his senior year, and much more. So let's Get to Know......Christian Groendyk.
I started running cross country in 6th grade after realizing I just wasn’t competitive in soccer anymore. My mom had been running my entire life and in soccer I always played midfield and ran quite a bit, so I knew it was something I enjoyed. Sure enough, I fell in love with the sport and 6 years later, I’m still running!
The most memorable moments of my running career so far are going to the Arcadia Invitation last spring, Thailand for the World Mountain Running Trail Championships, and winning state here in Colorado. Arcadia was my first big exposure into what it was like to compete with the best of the best. The environment is so electric, surrounded by people from a dozen different states, all with the same goal. I came away with a heat win in the 3200. The trip to Thailand was an absolutely incredible experience. I was able to run for the US U20 trail team, an opportunity one of my former teammates had also had. Living with 60+ professional runners (many of whom are the best in the world in their event) along with my fellow U20 athletes, was amazing. The environment is totally unmatched, being at a World Championships not just as a fan of the sport, but a competitor as well. Finally, winning a state title in-state here in Colorado was one of the biggest moments of my life, something I’d been working towards, knowingly or unknowingly, for years. My freshman year I was alternate at state, not even competing, so to finish out my high school cross country career with winning that same race was incredible.
I’d like to aim to be under 9:00 for the 3200m (editor's note: he ran 8:54.43 at the Arcadia Invitational; the #11 performance all-time for a Colorado prep) and break 9:00 in Colorado, something only Parker Wolfe and Cole Sprout have done before. I’d also like to put my team in the best position possible to place at state, which may mean more of a focus on our relay than individual events.
I’ve always loved science, but I think I’d have to say english.
I absolutely love rolling 200s (200 fast, 200 jog) but I’ve also recently grown to really enjoy tempo work as well.
As a general answer, Boulder. There’s a reason many of the best in the world live and train there. But more specifically, there’s a dirt road in Fort Collins called Redstone Canyon where we do a lot of out and back long runs, and it’s so beautiful and quiet out there.
I love good mac and cheese, but I’d probably go with sushi.
There’s a really good wing place in Fort Collins called Music City Hot Chicken, highly recommend, but don’t get the hottest sauce unless you want to lose taste buds.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Kendrick Lamar lately, especially when I’m spending more time on the treadmill or running alone
The Boys, absolutely amazing show, really funny but also engaging and very satirical
Definitely Instagram
Probably Joe Klecker, he seems like he’d be an amazing guy to just sit and chat with for a few hours and he’s someone I’ve been rooting for a while
My mom
Barack Obama, among others. He’s a great example of how a well-spoken leader can make a huge impact on the world, and someone you could always look to for guidance
Sam Parsons. He’s got a really cool story of going from underdog to top 15 in the world, while also being local here to Colorado. Parsons has a big emphasis on growing the sport, along with meditation and mindfulness, things I all personally relate to
My top schools were Princeton, North Carolina State, University of Virginia, Colorado State University, and Gonzaga University
Academics were huge for me, as someone who enjoys school just as much as running. I really wanted to be challenged in schoolwork in addition to my running and this was the best opportunity for that. The program at Princeton is also something really unique and something to absolutely watch out for in a few years. The last several years have resulted in a dozen state champions, national champions, Gatorade POTY recipients, etc. and there’s absolutely a reason for that. I also can’t wait to be with a large group of Colorado kids, like Connor McCormick, Jackson Shorten, Harrison Witt, etc.
Most likely psychology!
I want to continue running as long as I can, professionally or not. If I’m not fast enough to stay on the track, then I’ll switch to roads or maybe trails. I’d love to move back to Colorado and maybe live in Boulder. I think working for a charity would be a really cool opportunity to make a difference while also making a living for myself