Jonathan Vierra

Jonathan Keene Vierra or "Jon" Vierra (born July 9, 1994) is the only Native American to win at the Junior Olympics in the 1,500 meters. He now holds the record for the Midget's division.

Life

Born in Fort Washakie, Wyoming, Jon Vierra, a Native American son of Ernie "Rowdy" Vierra and Clarissa Vierra(Oglala Lakota (Sioux)(Shoshone), was raised on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Jon took up running in 5th grade at Fort Washakie Elementary School with joining cross country. Both a runner and a basketball player, Vierra gave up basketball to focus more on running. In 6th Grade, Jon came out of nowhere and surprised everyone with taking 1st in every race, in cross country and in track (1 mile and 800 meters). In October 2005, Jon went with the Eagle Staff Runners to Denver, Colorado for NIEA (National Indian Education Association). Jon and 3 other kids ran in the Fun Run with Billy Mills, After the race and walk, Jon was awarded the "Top Youth Boy Runner".

"This was the best run that have ever ran in my life, getting to meet Billy Mills and taking first is a great honor!"

In the Summer of 2006, He tried out for the Junior Olympics in the 1,500 meters. With 400 meters to go, he was in 4th place, He cought up to 2nd place with 100 meters to go. Jon did his kick and out ran the other person right beside him. After the race, he stood on the stand with pride in his heart and finished with the time of 5:28:13, being the fastest time in the 1,500 for the Midget division.In July, Jon went to Boulder, Colorado for a track and field meet. Jon went out for the 400 meters. Jon took first in the event and set a record for Midget division.

In his 7th Grade year, Jon did ok, but didn't take first like the year before.

In his 8th Grade year, Jon went to the top again and almost took first in every race but only lost in two races. Track was ok for him with taking first in the mile and the 800 meters. He joined the basketball team and they almost went undefeated and took 2nd in conference.

Endorsements

During his 6th grade performance, After 3 years of running with Nike shoes, he would like to get his own shoe for Running and Basketball, which he would like to be called the "Vierra Series".

Role Models

Jon Vierra's role models are Billy Mills for what he did for the Indians, after winning the 1964 Olympics in the 10,000 meters. Steve Prefontaine with being the best runner in the world and making records for the 2 mile. Steve Nash with being one of the best Point Guards in the NBA and how he plays his way of basketball, Run N Gun..