by Deji Ogeyingbo
Why Parker Shelby is special
In just a few short years, Parker Valby has gone from a standout college athlete to one of the most promising distance runners in the world. Her rise hasn’t been without obstacles, but that’s exactly what makes her story so special. The 21-year-old Tampa native is on track to be the next big name in distance running, and she’s already caught the attention of major brands like New Balance, who recently signed her to a footwear and apparel deal.
It hasn’t been always this easy for Valby. Just last year, she was dealing with a mysterious injury that left her limping across the finish line at the NCAA Championships. Despite winning her first NCAA title in the 5,000m, she wasn’t fully healthy. She later revealed that doctors couldn’t quite pinpoint what was wrong—some issue with her back or nerves. It was a frustrating period for Valby, who had to take time off from both running and cross-training to heal. But, as the saying goes, “What a difference a year makes.”
In 2024, Valby came back stronger than ever. She won six NCAA Championships, set records in the 5,000m indoor, outdoor, and 10,000m, and even made her Olympic debut in Paris. Valby’s rise in distance running is remarkable not just because of her talent, but because of her resilience. She’s shown that she can bounce back from setbacks and still perform at the highest level.
At the Paris Olympics, Valby found herself racing against some of the best distance runners in the world. Competing in the 10,000m, she held her own, even taking the lead with just four laps to go. For a moment, it looked like she might bring home a medal, but the experienced pros like Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet ultimately overtook her. Valby finished 11th in her first Olympic final—a performance that solidified her as a future star in the sport. For someone so young, just being in the race was a triumph.
“I didn’t even think I would break 32 minutes,” Valby told Citius Magazine after the race. Her self-doubt, paired with her remarkable performance, makes her relatable. She’s not just a runner; she’s a young athlete still learning, growing, and still pushing past her limits. Her ability to stay humble in the face of success and persevere through hardship is what makes her special.
Now, as she transitions to the professional ranks, training with Team New Balance Boston, Valby’s potential seems limitless. She’s surrounded by some of the best athletes in the world, including Olympic champions like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Valby is set to appear in various marketing campaigns, but more than just a face for products, she could become the face of distance running itself.
What makes Parker Valby truly stand out is her blend of talent and grit. She doesn’t back down from a challenge, whether it’s injury, competition, or self-doubt. Her story speaks to the heart of what it means to be an athlete—pushing through pain and staying grounded.
Valby will continue to evolve and grow, the sky’s the limit for this rising star. She may very well become the face of distance running for years to come, and it’s easy to see why—she’s not just fast, she’s fearless.
