Rebecca Schmitt, a 33-year-old from Colorado, has made a remarkable return to competitive running, qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a personal best of 2 hours, 28 minutes, 39 seconds at the California International Marathon held on December 7, 2024. This achievement marks a significant improvement from her earlier marathon times, including a 2:59:02 finish at the 2024 Boston Marathon. Schmitt's passion for running was reignited as she approached her 30th birthday, prompting her to commit to serious training after years of running as a pastime. She increased her weekly mileage from 40 to 70 miles, which contributed to her success in Sacramento. Balancing her running career with a demanding job as an electronics engineer at Sandia National Labs, Schmitt trains primarily in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she benefits from the area's elevation. Her coach, Lauren Hagans, has played a crucial role in her development as a competitive runner. The upcoming Olympic Trials are set for March 2028, with St. Louis and Phoenix vying to host the event.