Seventh-grader Grace Ping finished runner-up behind Weini Kelati in 16:44.80 in the 5000m last night at New Balance Nationals Outdoor. It is a new world record for 12-year-olds.

Ping, who turns 13 next month, first burst onto the national scene in September of 2015 when she won the high school championship race at Roy Griak against Judy Pendergast. Competing for Cotter High School in Winona, Minnesota, Ping continued her success all the way to Nike Cross Nationals, where she finished 14th. 

Grace Ping and I after she won 2015 Griak Inv. She set WR for 12 yr olds last night in 5K at NB Nationals: 16:44.80. pic.twitter.com/adr9jylLqO

— Mike Jay/Next Level (@MikeJaytrackxc) June 18, 2016

Ping will compete in the 3200m today at New Balance Nationals Outdoor.

Hear from Ping after her big victory at the 2015 Roy Griak Invitational