Ep. 195 - From 5-Month Injury to National Title & State Record: The Story of Mia Sirois
In 2026, Barrington High School's Mia Sirois cemented herself as one of the premier distance runners in the nation.
The Illinois standout opened her year by winning the indoor national title in the 5,000 meters before carrying that momentum into the outdoor season. Already known as one of the country's top young talents, she continued to raise the standard with every race.
At the IHSA State Championships, Sirois defended her Class 3A title in the 3200 meters, running 9:44 and setting a new Illinois state meet record. She also added another state title to her resume, further solidifying her place among the most accomplished runners in state history.
Her success didn't stop there. Just weeks later, she lined up against some of the nation's best at Brooks PR and finished second in the 3200 meters. With personal bests of 4:46 for 1600 meters, 9:44 for 3200 meters, and 15:58 for 5K, Sirois has established herself as one of the top distance runners in the Class of 2027.
But behind the records and championships is a story of resilience.
Last summer, a trail running accident resulted in a fractured ankle and heel, sidelining her from consistent running for nearly five months. The setback forced her to step away from the sport she loved and challenged her perspective in ways success never could.
In this conversation, we dive into the race that changed her confidence forever: a sixth-place finish at Nike Cross Nationals during her sophomore season. We discuss the pressure of becoming the athlete everyone is chasing, what injury taught her about gratitude, and how losing running helped her appreciate the sport more than ever before.
As she prepares for U20 Championships and New Balance Nationals, Sirois continues to chase new goals while holding tightly to the perspective that has shaped her journey.
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