Since 1996, Girls on the Run has been instrumental in shaping the lives of more than 2.5 million girls. And today, we are honored to celebrate five GOTR superstars who activated their Star Power all the way to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games!
Congratulations to Elle St. Pierre, Juliette Whittaker, Karissa Schweizer, and Brooke and Emma DeBerdine for representing the United States at this year’s Olympic Games and inspiring an entire generation of girls in the process.
This exceptional group of women showcases the limitless possibilities that result from participating or getting involved with initiatives that empower and encourage girls to follow their dreams. We are beyond proud of their well-earned achievements and the examples they are setting for girls everywhere. These athletes have not only excelled in their respective events and shown tremendous resilience but also embodied the values of confidence, character, and courage that our program aims to instill in its participants.
Join us in celebrating these incredible members of the GOTR family who competed for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Elle St. Pierre
Former Participant at Girls on the Run Vermont
Elle St. Pierre is an accomplished middle-distance runner known for her excellence in the 1,500 meters and mile events. Born in Vermont on a dairy farm, she developed a passion for running at a young age. Elle graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where she shined in cross-country and track, earning All-American honors. Post-college, Elle quickly made a name for herself in the professional running circuit and competed in numerous prestigious competitions, including the World Athletics Championships and the Diamond League.
Her major breakout moment occurred in 2021 when she came in first place in the 1,500-meter event at the US Olympic trials, securing her spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Olympic Games. At this year’s US Olympic Trials for the Paris Olympic Games, Elle once again earned a spot on the Team USA track and field team in not just one but two events. She ultimately opted to compete in her preferred event, the 1,500 meters and came in 8th place. Thank you, Elle, for leading by example and being a positive influence for girls everywhere!
Juliette Whittaker
Former Participant at Girls on the Run Greater Chesapeake
Juliette Whittaker has quickly risen to become one of the top talents in American middle-distance running, particularly in the 800-meter event. Born in Laurel, Maryland, Juliette has one brother, Alex, and a sister, Bella, who is also an Olympian. As a child, Juliette participated in various athletic activities, including swimming and Girls on the Run; the latter in which she completed the culminating 5K event alongside her brother! In high school, Juliette shattered records as the first female high school athlete to break the two-minute barrier in the 800-meters event. This impressive performance led her to Stanford University, where she has since become a champion in the 2023 NCAA indoor distance relay event and Pac-12 800-meters event. At this year’s US Olympic Trials, Juliette finished third, qualifying for Team USA at the Paris Olympic Games. At the Games, Juliette placed 7th in her event! Way to follow your dreams, Juliette!
Karissa Schweizer
Former Coach at Girls on the Run Heart of Missouri
Karissa Schweizer is an elite long-distance runner with remarkable versatility across multiple distances, including the 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters. Born in Urbandale, Iowa, a love and skill for running was in Karissa’s genes, as both of her parents had successful collegiate track careers at Mankato State, with her father earning All-American honors. Karissa attended the University of Missouri, where she became a six-time NCAA Champion, setting multiple records and solidifying her reputation as one of the most dynamic runners in the nation.
After graduating and turning professional, Karissa joined the Bowerman Track Club, one of the top training groups in the U.S. Throughout this time, she continued to break indoor records in both the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters. Her impressive performance earned her a spot on the US Olympic team for this year’s Paris Olympic Games, where she competed in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter events, coming in 9th place in both. Excellent work, coach! You are inspiring GOTR girls across the nation!
Brooke and Emma DeBerdine
Past GOTR 5K participants at Girls on the Run Heart Lancaster
Sisters Brooke and Emma DeBerdine are accomplished field hockey players who have consistently made great contributions to both their collegiate and international teams. Born in Millersville, Pennsylvania, the sisters grew up playing on youth hockey teams and challenged one another to improve their games. As the older of the pair, Brooke went off to college first at the University of Maryland, where Emma followed shortly after. They went on to play together on the school’s field hockey team.
At the University of Maryland, Brooke was a standout midfielder who quickly became known for her game intelligence and consistent performances, which earned her multiple All-American honors. Brooke started in all 100 career games. She was a two-year captain and The University of Maryland named her Athlete of the Year in 2022.
Quickly upon joining her sister’s team, Emma made a major mark of her own as a dynamic forward (and eventually a midfielder) who started in all 21 games as a freshman, earned Third Team All-American honors, and was named to the All-Big First Team. The sisters spent three seasons together, sharing a variety of powerful experiences, including a Final Four appearance. This year, after months of training and standing out in a variety of competitions, the sisters both made the US Women’s Field Hockey Olympic roster for the Paris Olympic Games. The team placed 9th! Double the Energy Awards go to you, DeBerdine sisters!
Who else belongs on this list of leaders? Do you know a member of Team USA who has been involved or supported GOTR? Let us know at communications@girlsontherun.org.
P.S. It’s not too late to register your superstar for the fall season! Find a council near you to get started.
This team of GOTR girls (and possibly future Olympians) proudly show off their own hard-earned medals at the 5K event!
