Efraimson eyes return to medal stand

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

A year after earning the bronze medal in the 1,500 meters, Alexa Efraimson of Camas, Wash. is ready and excited about her return to racing for the U.S.

Efraimson and her family live about 120 miles north of Eugene and she expects to have at least 20 friends and family in the stands when she runs in the 1,500-meter heats on Friday.

"I'm actually not too nervous," Efraimson said. "Last year helped me with my confidence and I'm excited to be able to race (here)."

Behind the scenes, there is a very real chance that Efraimson could turn pro before her senior of high school the same way Mary Cain did. But there is nothing official to announce yet on that front.

Instead, she is focused on what it will take to return to the medal stand. Pre-meet favorite Dawit Seyaum, who has run 3:59 for 1,500 meters, was the silver medalist last year in Donetsk -- less than a second in front of Efraimson.

Last year's final was tactical with a first-lap split of 70.

Efraimson has been rehearsing a variety of race strategies with her coach, Mike Hickey, with hopes that she is ready for anything.

"It could go out really fast," she said. "It could take 4:05 or (faster) to medal, or it could go strategic with a sprint at the end. We just try to think of different race plans and anticipate different situations. You have to be prepared for everything. "

Efraimson is staying in a dormitory next to Elise Cranny, her U.S. teammate in the 1500. And on Tuesday, she spent a little time watching the meet with Cain, who is entered in the 3000.

That time spent with Cain in the East Grandstand was the first that the two high school standouts -- No. 1 and 2 all-time on the high school 1,500 list -- have had to hang out and get to know one another.

Efraimson used last year's bronze medal as a springboard to brilliant junior year. She defeated a collegiate field that included NCAA 10K champion Emma Bates at the Bill Dellinger Invitational. She won Nike Cross Nationals. She ran 4:32.15 for the mile indoors at the Millrose Games. And she ran 2:03.26 (800), 4:07.05 (1,500) and 4:33.29 (1600) outdoors.

All of it has built anticipation over what happens next.

But first, Efraimson faces the challenge that she's been waiting for -- and preparing for -- all year long.