Swimming World Magazine has put its support behind Cochranville’s swimming star Cierra Runge, listing five reasons why everyone should be watching this first time Olympian, writes Chandler Brandes for Swimming World Magazine.

The swimming virtuoso, who was profiled by VISTA Today earlier this month, secured her spot on the Olympic team in the women’s 200 free at the 2016 Olympic Trials when she finished fifth in 1:57.16. She will be representing team USA in the 800 free relay in Rio.

“Oh my God … I didn’t know whether I should laugh or cry,” said Runge at the time. “To finally make it is unbelievable. I’ve never, ever wanted anything so badly.”

In the list, the magazine starts by emphasizing her training in Arizona last year where she got the chance to train not only with her NBAC coach Bob Bowman at Arizona State, but also with Allison Schmitt and Michael Phelps.

The fact that she will be a Wisconsin Badger in the fall is also listed as an advantage, as well as her international experience as a member of the winning 4×200 free relay team at the 2015 World Championship.

Additionally, Runge is an American record holder. She was a member of the 800 free relay team that broke the NCAA and American record at the Pac-12 Championships by over 2 seconds.

Finally, the magazine highlights her family’s sporting background including her younger sister Madison who was also an Olympic Trials qualifier for the 800 freestyle.

Read more about Cochranville’s swimming star at Swimming World Magazine here.