Betsy Saina has been making big moves in the distance running scene this season, owning the second-fastest time in the world this season in both the 5,000-meter run and the 10,000-meter run.

Saina, emerging from a win in the 10,000-meter run at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational, has now achieved the “A” Standard in both the 5,000-and 10,000-meter run. This would make her available to compete for Kenya at the World Championships in Moscow if selected by her country.

However, Saina is focused for the Big 12 Track and Field Championships this weekend in Waco, Texas.

“Last weekend, I was just trying to run as fast as I can, but after winning the race I think I can take that and use it at the Big 12s,” Saina said. “I’m just excited, it’s my last Big 12 Championship meet, so there should be no pressure. Just hope to finish strong and make it happen.”

The Cyclone women enter the meet ranked No. 16 in the country. ISU coach Corey Ihmels is happy with Saina’s performance and hopes his team is ready to compete with the Big 12’s best this weekend.

“Betsy wanted to run a little faster and take a shot at the collegiate records, but in the end she came out on top of what was a top-flight field and that in and of itself is impressive,” Ihmels said in a news release. “Now we get ready for the Big 12 Championships.”

The women’s team features a strong group of throwers including sophomore Christina Hillman, who finished second in the shot put at the Big 12 Indoor Championships and second at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

At the Big 12 Indoor Championships in Ames, Hillman was joined in the shot put by fellow throwers Danielle Frere and Hayli Bozarth, who finished sixth and seventh.

“Lately, I haven’t been throwing as well as I would like to, but I’m really looking forward to the Big 12s, regionals and the NCAA meet, and I hope to make my coaches and teammates proud,” Hillman said.

The Big 12 Championships begin Friday, May 3, and end Sunday, May 5.