Peachtree City native, Deana Walsh, participated in the 1998 U.S. Cross Country Nationals held in Orlando, Florida on Dec.6. Walsh finished in the top 100 at the Invitational, battling European-style barriers, sand traps, unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid-80's, as well as the top cross country runners in the country.

Walsh, a 1992 graduate of McIntosh High School, is the daughter of Alan and Colette Walsh of Peachtree City. She ran cross country for the University of Evansville, a Division I, Methodist-affiliated university located in Evansville, Indiana, for four years. Later she assisted with coaching the University's men's and women's cross country teams.

Currently, she resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she practices physical therapy at Drake Center, Inc., a rehabilitation hospital located there. She is also co-developing The Wellness Center at Drake.

Walsh generally travels throughout the Midwest to compete in area races ranging from 5K's to the half-marathon. One of her favorite races, however, is the Peachtree City Classic held annually in October. Walsh traveled home to win the Women's 5K in a time of 18:22, besting her competitors by over a minute. She was even more proud, though, of her mom and sister, Kelly, who also competed in the race.

What does the future hold for Deana? That is a question she continues to ask herself. "Right now I am having fun developing both my running and professional careers. it is exciting to push myself and see where I can go."

When asked what advice she could give to any young, aspiring athlete, she responded: "Set attainable goals, be patient, and persevere. If you love what you do, the journey to the goal is as rewarding as attaining the goal is."

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