4 things to know about Fil-Am Olympic athlete Lauren Hoffman
Photo from Lauren Hoffman/Instagram
With the 2024 Paris Olympics set to kick off on July 26, the anticipation for outstanding performances from the Philippine delegation is at an all-time high.
Following Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal win at the 2020 Summer Olympics, the country is eager for more moments of triumph. Among the athletes ready to make a mark is Filipino American track and field star, Lauren Hoffman.
To get to know her more, here are four key facts about this athlete, whose passion will bring her to new heights.
National record holder
Hoffman has written her name into the record books as Duke University’s record holder in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 55.67 seconds. She also set a new national benchmark in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.34 seconds at the Duke Invitational in Durham, North Carolina.
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This achievement surpassed a 17-year-old record previously held by Sheena Atilano, reaffirming Hoffman’s status as one of the Philippines’ brightest athletics prospects.
Despite finishing second to American athlete Skyla Wilson, who clocked in at 13.36 seconds, Hoffman’s display of speed and skill was nothing short of extraordinary and something she can definitely bring to Paris.
Serial record breaker
Hoffman’s recent accomplishments mark the fifth time she has broken a national record.
This year alone, she twice shattered the indoor marks in the women’s 400 meters. In January, she set a new record with a 53.91-second performance at the 2024 Clemson Bob Pollock Invitational.
Just a few weeks later, she surpassed her own achievement with a 53.71-second run at the 2024 Clemson Tiger Paw Invitational in South Carolina.
Dual degree achiever
Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, yet Hoffman has done so with flying colors. She proudly holds a second degree from Duke University’s prestigious Fuqua School of Business.
On her Instagram, she celebrated this achievement with humor and honesty, acknowledging the challenges she faced: “What like it’s hard?? (actually it WAS hard lol) BUT anywaysss I’m walking away from Duke with a second degree!”
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Dream come true
Representing the Philippines at the Olympics is a dream come true for Hoffman. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude and excitement: “Still feels so crazy to say that. It is such an honor to join my kababayan and represent the Philippines at the upcoming Olympic Games.”
She further expressed that she’s “feeling beyond blessed.”
“God didn’t just give me the physical abilities to hurdle and run. He gave me the passion to pursue a sport that takes so much mental and physical energy. He gave me work ethic, drive, and a competitive spirit. He sparked a fire in my heart to relentlessly chase after my dreams, no matter how hard the road gets,” she said.
“He gave me an amazing support system of family, friends, teammates, and coaches. He gave me countless opportunities and resources. This achievement could not have been done alone.”
The Philippines eagerly awaits to see her compete on the world stage, carrying the nation’s hopes and dreams with her.
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