FARMINGTON, Utah (October 13, 2026) – Following a third place finish at the Nuttycombe Invitational last Friday, Northern Arizona cross country runner Elsa Sundqvist has been named Big Sky Athlete of the Week, the league announced Tuesday morning.
The women's championship race featured a strong field over six kilometers, with Sundqvist leading Northern Arizona in 14th place with a time of 19:36.8. The newcomer from Sweden has made an immediate impact in her first season with the Lumberjacks, helping the team compete against some of the nation's top programs.
Sundqvist made her debut in the Northern Arizona jersey at the George Kyte Classic earlier this season, finishing third, before placing ninth at the John McNichols Invitational as the team's second finisher.
As a newcomer to the program, Sundqvist has embraced the team atmosphere and the opportunity to compete alongside athletes with similar goals.
"Racing with a team is very different compared to what I'm used to. For me, it has been incredible to be surrounded by girls with the same ambition and goals as myself. Running is such a lonely sport on its own, so to be able to step out of my own bubble and focus on performing with and for a team that I really love is such a privilege," Sundqvist said.
"It's amazing how we can really get the best out of each other. I feel safe within the race when I run with the people that I have done all my training with. It also makes the racing a lot more fun and we can grow a lot as athletes when we are not only focusing on our own performance, but taking care of our teammates as well."
The Lumberjacks will look to build on their performance at Nuttycombe as they continue preparing for the championship part of the season.
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