DES MOINES, Iowa — Sisters Danielle and Christina Aragon were aiming to compete against each other for just the second time in their running careers at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships this week.
The former Billings Senior High School stars didn’t advance out of their respective heats of the 1,500-meter run Thursday, though, eliminating that opportunity. Danielle Aragon, who now runs professionally for HOKA New Jersey New York Track Club after a college career at Notre Dame, placed eighth in the first heat, and Christina Aragon, who just concluded her sophomore season at Stanford, placed fourth in the second heat.
Danielle Aragon ran in the fastest heat, which Jenny Simpson, running for New Balance, won with a time of 4 minutes, 7.67 seconds. The top three finishers in each of the three heats automatically advanced to the finals, as well as the next three fastest times. All three of the non-automatic qualifiers ran in the first heat. Danielle Jones of Colorado finished sixth in the heat with a time of 4:08.82; Danielle Aragon finished in 4:10.45.
Christina Aragon, who recently earned all-American honors at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, finished fourth in the second heat with a time of 4:11.64. New Balance’s Brenda Martinez won the heat in 4:10.51.
Christina Aragon just completed her second season at Stanford after a standout high school career at Senior. She owns the all-class records in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, winning Gatorade female track athlete of the year honors in 2015 and 2016. Christina Aragon also earned all-American honors at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, finishing seventh. Danielle Aragon placed 12th in the same race.
For complete results from the USATF Outdoor Championships, please click here.
