North Shore's Nerud sets state mark

Brianna Nerud is well known in local track and field circles, having earned numerous honors and accolades.

The North Shore High School standout from Glen Head took her act to the international stage for the first time in her career last week, setting a New York State record in the 2,000-meter steeplechase at the World Youth Championships in Lille, France

Nerud's time of 6 minutes, 29.56 seconds bested the previous state mark set by Ward Melville's Mary Kate Anselmini. State records can be established anywhere in the world.

Nerud was seventh overall, just behind fellow American Madeline Meyers (6:29.2) of Seattle. Nerud and Meyers became the only high school runners in U.S. history to finish under 6:30 in the event.

"It was a really cool experience," Nerud said. "It was exciting to see other runners from other countries and how they compete."

There was a bit of trepidation on Nerud's part, however.

She didn't run up to her standards at the World Youth Championship trials in Myrtle Beach, S.C., taking second to Meyers in 6:56.06.

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It was a disappointing time for Nerud, who took second at the state championships last month in a then-career best time of 6:38.27.

Her second-place finish in Myrtle Beach didn't guarantee a spot on the team for the Youth Championships.

"I didn't do well at the trial," Nerud said. "I didn't think I was going to make the selection."

But the selection committee added her after initially leaving her off the list, and Nerud justified the committee's faith in her.

Nerud admitted she was nervous at the preliminary heat in France. But she shook it off and ran to a sixth-place finish in 6:38.8 and qualified for the final.

"The environment was different and the weather was different. And it was definitely the biggest stadium I've ever run in," Nerud said. "But I wasn't thinking about that once the race started."

Running against many of the world's top distance and steeplechase runners was an experience she won't soon forget.

"I'm much more confident now, Nerud said. "I'm so excited for cross country now."