"Anytime that I was successful, it was because I worked with [coaches] who allowed me to go home to get those ceremonies done, to see my parents, to have some home-cooked food.”

Alvina Begay is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and three-time Olympic trials qualifier (in the marathon and 10,000m Run, respectively). She was formerly sponsored by Nike, serving as an ambassador for the Nike N7 Fund– a fund that supports organizations that provide sport and physical activity programming to youth in Native communities. Alvina is also a registered dietician and nurse. Having been born and raised in Ganado, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation, we discuss how her upbringing and Navajo traditions helped her through several tough, competitive Olympic training cycles. We chat a bit about her carrying on the legacy of famous Oglala Lakota 10,000m runner, Billy Mills, as well as her experience as a new mom!

 

In this Episode:

• Nike N7 Fund

Follow Alvina:

• Instagram: @aybegay

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Music by Jacob Shije (Santa Clara Pueblo, NM).

This podcast was made possible through the Tracksmith Fellowship Program.