Sky Izzo’s Race to the Finish: An Underdog at USATF 10k Championship

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – Sky Izzo, a 35 year-old runner from Del Muerto, Arizona, has been reaching new strides in the world of competitive running. Most recently, she placed in the top 10 at the US Track and Field Cross Country National Championships competing in the open women’s 10K in Lubbock, Texas.

Izzo is Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii and born for Tachii’nii. Her maternal grandfather is Doohas’íí Yáti’ and her paternal grandfather is Naałání. Her journey to this accomplishment is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and pride in motherhood and Navajo identity.

Growing up near Chinle, Izzo’s running career began at Window Rock High School, where she transitioned from soccer to cross country. Though she wasn’t immediately a standout for the team, her determination earned her a varsity spot by her second year. After high school, she continued running for multiple colleges, ultimately earning her bachelor’s degree in biology and a Geographic Information Systems certificate from Fort Lewis College in 2014.

Now living in Albuquerque, Izzo balances her roles as a full-time mom and competitive athlete. Reflecting on her recent finish in Lubbock, she admitted it wasn’t easy. Facing cold, windy conditions and starting near the back of the pack, Izzo pushed through doubts and fatigue to finish strong.

“I was in last place for half of the race,” Izzo recalled. “I started catching up around mile four, and by the time I crossed the finish line, I was shocked to see my name in 10th place. I was just in total disbelief.”

Despite the eventual victory, Sky shared that she was skeptical of herself going into the race, not sure if she could keep up. “It’s very competitive,” she said, “when I saw the list of entries published, that was enough to take down my confidence a little bit.”

However, she remained persistent, and found confidence in the support of others. “My coach really believed in me, and my family too. They told me to go out there and just do my thing, so I listened, and it paid off,” she shared.

Izzo’s performance wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a meaningful moment of representation. As the only Indigenous runner in the race and a full-time mom, she took pride in standing among the top ten on a competitive field.

“I want to represent our people—not just Diné, but all Indigenous people—in these spaces,” Izzo said. “As I’ve progressed, I’ve noticed fewer Indigenous runners at this level, and that motivates me to show we’re still here, and we can compete.”

Her commitment to representation extends beyond her running. Aside from raising her own family, Izzo is also involved with Wings of America, an organization that empowers Native youth through running and fitness. This spring, she will serve as a chaperone for the Wings team at the Boston Marathon, where she will also be given the chance to compete in the world-renowned event.

Until then, Izzo has a busy season of training ahead of her. She is currently preparing for indoor track events, including shorter races like the 800-meter and mile. After that, her focus will shift to preparing for the Boston Marathon in April.

For Izzo, running is not just a sport but a way to connect with her heritage, inspire others, and challenge herself. “Running has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to believe in myself,” she said. “It’s a way to show the world that we, as Indigenous people, belong here and can excel.”

With her determination and dedication, Sky Izzo is blazing a trail for future generations of Native athletes to follow, emphasizing that anyone can reach their goals with the right amount of determination.

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