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Amazing Grace: Meet Grace Smith, the fastest 14-year-old in the country
Gracie and her many awards. (Credit: Brian Patamakanthin)

Amazing Grace: Meet Grace Smith, the fastest 14-year-old in the country

CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Meet Grace “Gracie” Nilani Smith, a 14-year-old dynamo from Canyon Hills Junior High School, who is carving her path to greatness in the world of cross country and track and field. With a laundry list of achievements and a contagious passion for her sport, Gracie embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance.

Credit: Brian Patamakanthin

A Journey of Success

Gracie’s journey into athletics began at the sweet age of seven, fueled by an innate love for speed and a relentless drive to excel. “I love to run fast and work hard,” she shares, reflecting on what initially drew
her to the sport.

“When I got my first All-American at age 10, I got 24th place. I knew I wanted to be as good as the #1 girl. I thought, ‘Now I have to set some new goals.’”

Since then, she’s dedicated herself to the pursuit of excellence, spending countless hours honing her craft with the Chino Hills Flash and Flash Running Academy. Gracie has now been crowned an All-American runner an astonishing nine times, meaning she’s been in the top 6 or better place in a United States Nationals Track and Field event or top 25 in a Cross Country Nationals event.

For Gracie, the thrill of running fast and the sense of fulfillment from hard work ignited her passion for the sport. Inspired by her grandparents, Grandma Peacelyn and Grandpa Oswald Rajapakse, who were Nationally renowned track and field athletes in Sri Lanka during the 1950s, Gracie inherited a love for running that has only grown stronger with time. Their timeless advice to “run because you love it” continues to resonate with her, serving as a guiding light in her journey and echoing their wisdom as it’s passed down through generations.

Gracie boasts an impressive résumé, including three consecutive years as the USATF Southern California Champion and Region 15 Champion as well as the winner of many local races like Chino’s 2023 Run for Russ. Her crowning achievement came in 2023 when she clinched the title of USATF 13/14 Cross Country National Champion, solidifying her status as one of the nation’s top young talents.

In March 2024 Gracie earned her second National Championship and the title of fastest 14-year-old in the nation when she won the New Balance Nationals indoor 800 m. Gracie’s winning race video, shared by Tik Tok influencer @robhooprunning, quickly went viral, a testament to her remarkable skill and determination.

Gracie has been invited to run at the prestigious Brooks PR on June 12th in Seattle, Washington. She not only received a coveted bid for this race but was also offered an all-expenses paid trip to be there! Highlighting the fastest middle schoolers and high schoolers in the country, be sure to tune in on YouTube on June 12th to cheer her on!

Gracie and her grandparents. (Courtesy: Smith family)

A Coach’s Perspective

Behind every great athlete is a dedicated coach, and for Gracie, that role is filled by Ben Mejia.

Coach Mejia, who has witnessed Gracie’s evolution firsthand, speaks glowingly of her dedication and work ethic. He emphasizes Gracie’s commitment to consistency, hard work, and trust in the training process. For Coach Mejia, Gracie’s proudest moment wasn’t just her victory on the track but her unwavering adherence to the plan they had meticulously crafted together.

“Gracie pushes her limits and never says no to the training demands I give her,” Coach Mejia remarks proudly. “I’ve always known that she could win the Junior Olympics. She trusted the training for seven years, and so did her family. I am proud to be her coach.” Coach Mejia has also trained Grace’s sisters making this a family affair.

Beyond the Track

Off the track, Gracie is a multifaceted individual with a love for fishing, baking, and problem-solving. Her favorite subjects in school are science and math, reflecting her analytical mind and penchant for challenges. She hopes to study veterinary medicine when she is older.

As a Scholar Athlete boasting a 4.0 GPA for three consecutive years, she exemplifies the perfect balance between academic excellence and athletic achievement. “Managing my academics as my priority while not allowing my training to falter has been my biggest challenge,” she admits. Yet, Gracie navigates this balancing act with confidence and poise.

Surrounded by a supportive family—including her retired deputy sheriff father Michael, nurse practitioner mother, Rajeeni, and two sisters Kaitlyn, 16, and Allie, 11, Gracie thrives as the middle sister. The family also has a 5-year-old soft-coated wheaton terrier named Catniss, and a cockatiel named Mango. Gracie and her family also enjoy traveling. The sisters like to race whenever they can on their travels having raced in Scotland, England and various states.

Gracie and her proud family. (Courtesy: Smith family)

Aspirations and Goals

Looking ahead, Gracie harbors lofty ambitions that include running for a Division 1 or Ivy League University, representing her country as an Olympian and evolving as an athlete. She hopes to run professionally and to pick up sponsorships from some of her favorite running brands. With a motto rooted in perseverance, “all it takes is all you’ve got.”, Gracie is well on her way to realizing her dreams.

A Message to the Community

Gracie’s love for Chino Hills shines through as she expresses gratitude for the friendships, teachers, and opportunities the city has afforded her. With a humble spirit, Gracie is a shining example of the talent and potential thriving within the Chino Hills community. “I love living in Chino Hills and I love the friends I have in my school and running team. I’ve also had some amazing teachers!” she shares warmly. “This is a great city to live in.”

As Gracie continues to chase her dreams and leave her mark on the world of running, she remains grounded in her roots, embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and a love for the sport. With each stride she takes, Grace Nilani Smith is carving out a legacy that is sure to inspire generations to come. Keep an eye out for Gracie —she’s destined for greatness.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.

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