Not long ago, Josh Thompson was primed to race in his first Olympic Trials and anticipated making the 2020 Olympic Team.  Unfortunately for Josh, those dreams were derailed as COVID-19 erupted across the US forcing the cancellation of the trials and soon after the Olympics.  The news, as devastating as it may have been, did not deter Josh and in reality made him even hungrier. 

Josh was a member of the cross country and track teams in 2011-2012 and 2014-2015 seasons. Josh served on a mission for two years before completing his AA and junior college running at CAC. After leading his DMR National Record Team to a championship in 2015, he set off on a path that would propel him to being one of the top collegiate runners in the NCAA Division 1. 

Josh's success did not stop at the collegiate level as he continued to strive for personal milestones on and off the track.  Josh found his soulmate Bryce while in Oklahoma, and shortly thereafter married her. Bryce is no stranger to running, as she was also a successful runner in the 3000 meter steeplechase at The University of Oklahoma. Josh, like most Olympic hopefuls, did have his struggles. 

Dealing with a rash of injuries post collegiately, Josh contemplated if he would continue to pursue his goal of making the Olympics. If Josh learned anything as a Vaquero, it is that quitting is not an option and hard work trumps talent any day. So Josh recommitted his training and soon was picked up by Nike to become a professional sponsored athlete.

Josh, his whole life, has had a knack for proving doubters wrong. Coming from a small school in Nevada, running for a junior college, and continuously being overlooked by his competitors and media motivates him to outdistance the field.  Josh will make his attempt to land a spot on the 2021 US Olympic Team and has the support of Central Arizona College, his family, and most importantly his Faith. Josh and Bryce reside in Oregon with their son Jett. 

 Pictured: Josh, Bryce, and baby Jett