Brit Oliphant is a great example of a young person who has grown up enjoying the Central Oregon lifestyle. The standout cross country runner at Summit high school is one of the best distance-running sophomores in the state. Brit slowed down just long enough to answer a few questions for Central Oregon Athlete.
Central Oregon Athlete – How long have you been running competitively?
Brit Oliphant - Well, I grew up in a family of all athletes, both my parent’s winners of the Pole Pedal Paddle and many other races so I was introduced to racing at a pretty young age. I started Alpine and Nordic skiing around 1st and 2nd grade and I think that’s where I got my competitive edge.
COA – Can you remember your first race?
Brit – I can clearly remember my first race; it was the little foot in Drake Park. I was in 2nd grade and nobody including myself really knew I could run. I ended up winning and getting my picture in the paper and I think that’s the day I fell in love with the sport.
COA – What got you interested in racing?
Brit – I would have to say watching the summit team when people like Zoe Roy were running. I always looked up to the Summit kids and they were really nice to me and helped me believe that anything is possible, even for a 2nd grader. But also my parents, I was surrounded with sports and competition my whole life.
COA – What other sports do you enjoy besides running?
Brit – Growing up I don’t think there was a sport that I didn’t do. I did everything: traveling soccer, basketball, Gymnastics, Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, Snowboarding, Swim team, Bicycle racing, I was an active member in a horse 4-H club, really I think I did it all. But as I grew up I had to start committing to the sports that I wanted to pursue so I chose running. Now days when I’m not running I enjoy paddle boarding, climbing, skiing and yoga.
COA – What are some of your hobbies besides sports?
Brit – I like camping and boating a lot, I also like spending time with my friends and just living the Bend lifestyle.
COA – Having grown up in Bend, what are some of your favorite adventures in Central Oregon?
Brit – I was born and raised here, in what I think is paradise. There are so many different things you can do in Oregon. Every summer I hike south sister and spend a lot of time wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and tubing. Smith rock is right in our back yard as well as many lakes. I really enjoy going to Steelhead falls and jumping off the rocks. I also enjoy skiing on Bachelor all winter.
COA – What are your goals for this XC season?
Brit – I really want to focus on just staying healthy. I had quite a few injuries last year and I got sick as well. I think if I stay healthy success will come on its own.
COA – What’s the best part about running XC?
Brit – Cross country is great because we do so many things besides running. We go rafting and exploring and really anybody can do cross country. Plus we have the world’s best coaches.
COA – What is your favorite workout in Central Oregon?
Brit – That’s impossible. There are so many fun places to run here I could never chose a favorite. But I do enjoy running along the river trail or out at smith rocks.
COA – Anything else to add?
Brit – Look out because a storm is coming!
2009 Highlights:
• 18:53 PR (third fastest by a Summit freshman girl ever)
• 7th @ State as a freshman (19:38) – 2nd fastest freshman @ State
My main sport is cross country skiing. I train year-round for races. I also compete in a lot of running races. I prefer trails & like distances anywhere from 5k-marathons. I REALLY like hills.