Olivia Cieslak Reflects on Her Journey, Stanford Commitment, and Future Goals
Olivia Cieslak is the top returner in the 800 for this upcoming season and is committed to Stanford. She is a three-time PIAA state champion—twice in the 800m and once in the 1600m—and has also placed third in the 800m at Brooks PR and finished as the runner-up in the 800m at the New Balance Indoor Nationals. Olivia was 5th at the 2024 PIAA 3A XC state championships, leading her team to a state title. She has personal bests of 55.97 (400), 2:04.77 (800), 4:42.72 (1600), 10:35.71 (3200), and (17:35.70). Cieslak will be joining a program renowned for developing elite talent, including Juliette Whittaker, a 2024 US Olympian and the 2024 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor 800m Champion, and Roisin Willis, the 2023 NCAA Indoor 800m Champion, and is a part of Stanford’s stacked women’s distance class of 2025.
Congratulations on committing to Stanford! What made you choose Stanford over other schools you considered?
I chose Stanford because it was my dream to go there ever since I stepped foot on campus. The girls were so welcoming and the campus felt like home. Coach Clark is a mastermind when it comes to the 800m, having coached multiple NCAA champions and Olympians. The academic aspect of it was also something that stood out to me, it’s truly my perfect place. And who doesn’t want to be living in California? I’m so excited to be apart of the team next fall!!
It’s pretty cool that you and Clemmie both committed to Stanford! How does it feel knowing that you’ll be sharing this incredible experience together?
Clemmie and I kind of kept our recruiting processes separate to make sure we both made our own decisions, and somehow, we are ending up at one of the top universities together!!! We could not be more excited to be teammates for the next four years. Clemmie is one of my best friends and a lot of people say we are literally the same person, we love the beach, going on adventures, and both obviously love to run. I have no doubt that we will make the best memories together at Stanford. I cannot wait!!
Stanford is a long way from home for you - what are you most excited about when it comes to being at Stanford and what are you going to miss the most from home?
I wanted to pick a school where I felt most at home and I felt that when I was on my visit at Stanford. Although it is very far, I see myself thriving there the most. I am so excited for the teams future and to be part of such an amazing program, the team culture and the school outside of athletics is truly my perfect set up. I think I will miss my family the most when it comes to living so far, but they are super supportive and excited about my decision!!
Reflecting on your high school running career, what has been your most memorable race or moment so far?
My favorite moment in my high school career was winning 2 PIAA State Titles in both spring track and cross country. A race that I really enjoyed was Brooks PR, it was set up super nicely and I really enjoyed the activities outside of the actual race. I also really enjoy racing New Balance Indoors and Outdoors each year, they are all super fun and great meets!!
With your senior XC season coming to a close, what does the remainder of the season look like for you, & will this be your last year competing in XC? Or do you plan on competing in XC at Stanford?
I am racing at Footlocker North East Regionals in Boston on November 30th! I would like to continue running cross country at Stanford but that may have to wait until my Sophomore year. Only because I am planning on racing for Team Poland at the European Championships this summer, meaning my season won’t end till August. I do enjoy cross country but I definitely like track more!!
Will that be your first time representing Poland? How did that come about?
Yes this is going to be my first year representing Team Poland. I had the opportunity last summer but I decided I was ready for my outdoor season to come to a close after New Balance Outdoor Nationals. My mom ran and my Dad played basketball both overseas, so being able to represent the same country they did was something I’ve always wanted to do!!
The 800m is a challenging event. As the top returner in the event this year, what’s your favorite aspect of competing in this event, and what do you find the most difficult?
The 800m is definitely one of the most difficult events, I believe, but it is by far my favorite. I enjoy the speed aspect of it a lot, and the fact that it’s also not too short of a race. Although it feels like a full sprint half of the time, I think it’s a very enjoyable race that has improved so much over the past few years.
What do you like to do when you’re not running or training? Any hobbies or interests?
I think as an athlete, it’s super important to surround yourself with people who don’t do the sport. It’s important to do things outside of running so I make sure to prioritize that a lot. Some things I like to do are hanging out with my friends or watching movies/shows. I try to make the most of my time outside of school and running for sure!!
Looking ahead, what are some of your long-term aspirations - both in track and life in general?
Looking ahead, my goal is to take every opportunity that I am blessed to receive. I’ve learned to make the most of every experience and just run with heart. Going to the big invitationals are so much fun, so making the most of my time when I’m there is what I aspire to do most, and that way, the results and times will speak for themselves!
Who has been your biggest influence or inspiration in your running career so far?
My mom has always been my biggest inspiration. She was a runner in high school and college in Poland, but outside of running, she is always working so hard. She’s always putting people before herself and creating an environment where everyone can be happy. I truly believe she is one of the most powerful women and that’s why I aspire to be like her!
Lastly, If you could train with any professional 800m runner, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would train with Keely Hodgkinson, not only because of winning Olympic gold in the 800m in Paris, but because she seems like she has so much fun with the sport. Seeing athletes who do things outside of running, but still focus and succeed at the sport is truly inspiring. I would like to train with her because she is obviously training very well and because of how much fun she is having outside of all the work!!
