Athlete Bio
Brenda Martinez
A Californian, born and raised, Brenda attended Rancho Cucamonga H.S. prior to UC-Riverside, where she earned a degree in Sociology. While running for the Highlanders, Martinez was a three-time All-American and the 2009 NCAA Outdoor 1500m runner-up. Brenda had mixed results following her graduation from college, but came roaring back onto the scene in 2012, with a runner-up finish in the 1500m at the USA Indoor Championships, and followed it with a runner-up finish in the 800m at the 2013 USA Outdoor Championships and a Bronze Medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow. Martinez was the first woman ever from the USA to medal in the evet at a World Championships. Brenda merits the USATF Foundation's grant program for allowing her to focus more fully on training and competition by reducing her 'off the track' stress.
Brenda uses her on-the-track celebrity to inspire off the track. Her Latina roots are important to Brenda, and she wants to show others from her community that anything is possible. Martinez makes time to visit team practices and meets, and to speak at banquets. Brenda also runs a high school camp for girls, looking to provide a positive influence into their lives. The four-day camp covers topics like healthy choices, injury prevention, law of attraction, and womens triad, among others. As Brenda says, "I'm trying to be a leader and teach our next generation, give them the tools to carry out into their lives so they can achieve their life goals." Brenda is also passionate about animals, and dreams to start a non-profit animal rescue and is currently an advocate for Run for the Rescues.