Native News Network, News Report, Posted: Jul 31, 2012

While Navajo runner Alvina Begay, 31, fell short of her dream of making this year's US Olympic team in the 10,000 meter race in Eugene, Oregon, her run on NBC Sports Network made American Indians across Indian Country proud.

The mere fact she was at the US Olympic Trials in Eugene makes her a high achiever and a winner. Begay is a superb athlete who runs free of controversy and serves as an excellent role model for young American Indian and Alaska Natives and all others on and off the track field.

She is a huge inspiration in Indian Country. Begay's huge smile lights up the track field or among a group of Native youth, as she recently did at the White House's celebration of the one year anniversary of "Let's Move! in Indian Country."

Begay, who grew up running the dirt roads on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Granado, Arizona, excelled in academics while attending Adams State College and Arizona State University. Her success running track at Arizona State University earned her an All-American status.

Friday night, she ran the 10,000 meter in 32:58:63.

A true winner, Begay has finished in the top 10 in six US road Championships, represented the United States internationally and finished 10th in the ING New York City Marathon.

Begay lives in Flagstaff, Arizona and is pursuing a Master's Degree in Health Administration at Northern Arizona University. She serves as a Nike N7 Ambassador for Indian Country.

Even though she did not make this year's US Olympic team, Begay has a wonderful future in her path.