John Gilbertson

The Master’s College 2013 track and field season just got a little bit longer.

For one individual, that is.

On Thursday, John Gilbertson (Saugus, CA) received confirmation that he will be competing in the men’s 10,000-meter race at the 2013 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, held on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Race time is scheduled for 9:00 PM (CST) on Thursday, June 20.

The 2013 Championships will serve as the selection event for the coveted spots to represent Team USA at the IAAF World Championships August 10 – 18 in Moscow, Russia.

“This is extremely exciting,” said Gilbertson. “These are the best in the nation that I’m competing against, and I’m thrilled to not only represent The Master’s College, but more importantly, the Lord.”

Gilbertson is no stranger to the event as he set a then world-leading time in the 10k on March 29 at the Stanford Invitational in 28 minutes and 30.35 seconds. On April 27, Gilbertson won the event at the 2013 GSAC Championships with a final time of 31:34.23.Gilbertson last competed in the 10k on May 23 at the 2013 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships where he placed third overall in 30:25.89, earning All-American honors.

Gilbertson also earned NAIA All-American honors in the 5k when he placed first in the event at 14:08.07 at the 2013 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. His accomplishment of reaching NAIA All-American honors in both the 5k and 10k was a feat never before achieved by a Mustang track athlete.

In the fall, Gilbertson earned NAIA All-American honors when he won the individual championship in 23:56 at the 2012 NAIA Cross Country National Championships.

Notably, Gilbertson completed the 2012 cross country season by winning each of the seven races he entered, including the UC Irvine Invitational, Stanford Invitational, and the Bronco Invitational at Santa Clara University.

Should Gilbertson continue to produce the stellar marks he has manufactured in 2012-13 after the 2013 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, his overarching goal of competing in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro may become a reality.

“My dream has been to get to this level and to be seen by others so that I may show Christ to them. It’s a dream come true and I’m ready for it. I’m ready to give God all the glory no matter the outcome.”