*Four-time track state champion in the 1500m and 3200m. *Competed in 10,000 meter run in 2012 Olympic Trials *Nike N7 ambassador
The eldest of five children, Alvina Begay was born on the Navajo Indian Reservation to Alvin and Wanda Begay in Ganado, Arizona. She learned responsibility early: while her mother worked full-time, Alvina cared for her younger siblings.
She used what little "down time" she had running across dirt roads of the mesas and trails of Ganado. Her goal was to one day qualify for the Olympic trials. For a dream that grand, Alvina kept her mind, body and emotions in top condition.
During junior high and high school, Begay lettered in track and cross-country. After graduating from high school she attended Adams State University (Alamosa, Colorado) and Arizona State University (Tempe, Arizona).
During college, she continued to excel in the sport. She has finished in the top ten in six U.S. road championships, represented the United States internationally and finished tenth in the ING New York City Marathon.
After Alvina graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition (2003), she placed her pursuit of a master's degree on hold to focus on training for the 2012 Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon in the 10,000-meter race. Her discipline and performance earned her that right-an accomplishment in itself as she competed against the best runners in the world for a spot on Team USA.
Although she fell short of her goal to make the Olympic team, Alvina accomplished a respectable finish.
"Her run on NBC Sports Network made American Indians across Indian Country Proud," states Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief of Native Condition in an article to Native News Network. "The mere fact she was at the US Olympic Trials makes her a high achiever and a winner...She is a huge inspiration in Indian country."
In April 2017, Alvina finished the Boston Marathon in 2:22:05. She states, "I wasn't going to give up! It was hot out there & I kept telling myself to fight, fight, fight! Always proud to represent Natives, Navajo Nation & Ganado."
As a Nike N7 ambassador, Begay has established a platform to encourage other Native Americans to achieve and maintain physical fitness that can help to address the epidemic of diabetes and other lifestyle-linked preventable diseases in Indian country.
Extra: The First Nike N7 Sport Summit for Native American and Aboriginal youth recreation leaders was held October 28-30, 2011 at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. Its purpose was to educate, empower and encourage participants to create sustainable sports programs that encourage physical activity for Native American and Aboriginal youths.
Alvina Begay kicked-off the second morning of the Summit with a two-mile walk/run around the Nike campus. She was also a panelist who shared how access to sports has influenced her successes.
Sources:
Alvina Begay (Navajo), Board Member webpage
Alvina Begay Facebook page
ICTMN Staff, Navajo Alvina Begay Hopes to Represent U.S. as Olympic Marathoner, October 29, 2011
ICTMN Staff, Sold-Out Nike N7 Sport Summit Aims to Advance Native Youth Access to Sport, October 25, 2011
Rickert, Levi, editor-in-chief, Native News Network, Alvina Begay a Huge Winner and Inspiration, October 4, 2013
Wikipedia, Alvina Begay
KB Schaller(Cherokee/
Seminole heritage) is
a journalist, novelist
and illustrator who lives in South Florida. A version of this article appears in 100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World by KB Schaller, winner, International Book Award, women's issues category. Available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers. Website: http://www.KBSchaller.com; Contact: soaring-eagles@msn.com.
