Morgan Olympian to be inducted into Utah Sports Hall of Fame

MORGAN – The path to the Olympics is different for each athlete. For some, it’s something they’ve visualized since birth, for others, it’s a career, but for Lindsey Anderson, her journey started right here in Morgan. 

Anderson moved to Morgan when she was starting seventh grade, and though she wasn’t born in Morgan, “It definitely became my home.” Anderson had played soccer before the move, and had planned on doing the same in Morgan. At the time, part of tryouts included a time trial run, and upon seeing Anderson beat everyone at the 800-meter time trial, the track coach told her, “You have to come run track.”

“I really did not know much about running,” Anderson admitted, but that didn’t stop her from stacking up the titles and awards. It wasn’t long before she had taken state in the mile, and the same as part of the cross country team. It seemed like Anderson had really found her calling, and several university coaches felt the same way. Ultimately, she decided on Weber State and found the adjustment challenging.

“I questioned if I wanted to keep running,” she said, after not seeing the progress she wanted in college. Anderson was determined, “I knew I had more in me,” she said, and by her senior year, her efforts “took” off, and the accolades began coming in once more: titles like nationals, All American and records in the NCAA led to the start of a paid career in running, and a sponsorship with athletic brand giant, Nike.

Then, in 2008, things were kicked up a notch, even further: Anderson qualified for, and competed in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. “Being able to compete and race there was incredible,” she said, adding that it was a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Despite being “a little disappointed” in not making the finals, Anderson is part of an elite group of people on this earth that can call themselves Olympians.

The ups and downs of her running career have been something that Anderson has cherished, and applied to other aspects of her life, “It has prepared me for being a mother,” she said, and explained how the focus, the determination, and dedication she learned as a runner have easily applied to every role she’s had since, including that of a mom, and a coach both in California, Missouri and now back at Weber State. 

It’s this lifetime of outstanding achievement and dedication that has earned Anderson a spot in the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, even though the nomination “was kind of a surprise to me.” As a coach at Weber State, Anderson has the opportunity to pass on much of what she’s learned in a running career, but for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Anderson had some great advice. “The best thing you can do for yourself is be consistent,” she said, adding, “but don’t be too obsessed. Learn the balance, and give yourself grace.” 

Anderson will be inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, with a reception at 6:15 p.m. and a banquet at 7 p.m. More information on the ceremony itself, as well as tickets can be found at USHOFF.org λ