In recent years, Lauren Fleshman has engaged in youth outreach through the International Children's Games and her blog on DyeStat.com, which is aimed at high school athletes. She is a “running resource” for young athletes and is dedicated to helping “close the chasm that exists between young runners and professional athletes.” In her writing, she promotes a balanced approach to sport, hoping to reduce eating disorders among female high school runners and making high school sports fun. She says attaching young athletes to their sport minimizes risks like drugs, teen pregnancy, and poor health.

Fleshman plans to launch her own website that connects elite athletes to everyday runners. It will provide reliable information through widely accessible resources like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. She will share her story of falling just short of the Olympics to inspire and promote a message of perseverance. Along those lines, she is actively working with Nike on a campaign that promotes the message: “Try Anyway.”

At Stanford, Fleshman learned to lead a well-rounded life. She credits Stanford and her coach for helping her do this. She feels compelled to be involved with people and hopes to leave her projects and sport better than she found it.

About Lauren Fleshman

Lauren Fleshman is an accomplished American 5,000 meter runner.She attended Stanford University, where she won three straight NCAA championships and set US Junior and NCAA Records. She won the 2006 U.S. Outdoor Championships 5,000 meter title. Fleshman finished 5th at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in 15:23.18. She lives and trains in Eugene, Oregon under coach Vin Lananna.