As a young man growing up on the North East side of Madera, Eduardo “Lalo” Herrera had dreams of someday playing for his favorite Major League Soccer team, the Los Angeles Galaxy. Little did he know he was set out to do greater things in life.

As a Madera South High School student, Herrera had a life-changing conversation with his brother, who at the time ran cross country. This conversation led to a newfound passion for cross country.

“My brother told me that I should run because I would have many more opportunities than playing soccer. I think he saw that I could do great things in the future with the end goal of helping my parents,” said Herrera.

According to Herrera, his parents are the main reason he and his brother run so hard every time they compete. He also set his life goal to graduate from a university and someday run in the Olympics.

In May 2021, he completed one of his life goals by graduating from the University of Colorado and obtained a degree in Sociology and two minors, Ethnic Studies and Sports Media. 

On June 27, 2021, he accomplished his second life goal by attempting to qualify for the Olympics, by running the 5000 meters at the Trials in Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.

“I got close to it. It was amazing! I am hungry for more, and I want to see what I can do three years from now by hopefully winning a US title and showing up in Paris at the Olympics in 2024,” said Herrera.

After the trials, Herrera returned to Madera to continue training. On July 20, 2021, he met with the Torres’ High School boys’ cross country team. He wanted to make time to visit cross country teams and possibly inspire them to accomplish their goals. 

“My main goal is to see those kids live their dreams and get to college someday,” said Herrera.

Herrera has one more year of eligibility to run at the University of Colorado since he is currently taking undergrad courses. His next venture is to go into the professional circuit and fulfill his dream of running in the Olympics, representing his family, community, and country, which he said made him who he is today.