Shannon Leinert had a dream. The dream, which was conceived at age 10, was to run in the Olympics.

Leinert, 24, graduated from MU in 2010 with a decorated collegiate track career. Before she stepped foot on MU’s track, she began collegiate athletics at the University of Florida. She transferred to MU with two years of eligibility remaining.

With the Tigers, Leinert became the indoor and outdoor Big 12 Conference champion in the 800-meter dash, qualified for the NCAA Championship twice and marked a time of 2 minutes, 4.34 seconds in an indoor race, still second in program record books.

“My fondest memory was the positive and supportive team atmosphere,” she said. “I was on the 4-x-400 meter team that has the school record, and the excited, loud cheering from the team during that race was always an unbelievable experience.”

The St. Louis native returned to Columbia in 2011 to study for a doctoral degree in special education at the place where she gained an interest in the field.

“I have always been passionate about growing as a person both physically and intellectually,” she said. “I fell in love with special education and learning about kids with special needs so that I can learn how to improve their quality of life.”

After watching the 800-meter dash at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Leinert saw the runners were between the ages of 27 and 32.

“I thought to myself, I am only 22 — I am just a baby in the running world, and if life doesn’t get in the way, I want to try and make this dream possible,” she said.

And so, as a doctoral student, Leinert rediscovered her dream. She laced up her shoes and set her sights on the 2012 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.

An intense training regiment began for Leinert. She ran 60 miles a week, an increase of 15 miles from her collegiate training.

“I didn’t think I would make the trials,” she said. “I wanted to train in hopes that I would make it.”

In the months leading up to the trials, Leinert dropped her weekly mileage to 35 miles a week, all while still working on her degree.

“I love running, but on the days I didn’t want to get out of bed and go for a run, I would think to myself that I have no other choice,” Leinert said. “It’s either now or never.”

After 17 years of running competitively, Leinert’s time to achieve her dream came.

“I could not believe I made it (to the trials) and often described this experience as surreal,” she said.

She began competing at the U.S. Olympic Trials on Friday, June 22. Of 32 runners, Leinert recorded the sixth best time of 2 minutes, 2.78 seconds in the opening round. She advanced to the semi-finals Saturday, needing to place inside the top eight to advance to the finals Monday.

“There are a lot of track fans in the stands cheering you on,” she said. “They are all there to be a part of this. But, at the same time, it is just another track meet.”

Leinert’s first attempt to become a member of the Olympic team ended in disappointment as she finished 16th place in the semi-finals race with a time of 2 minutes, 7.63 seconds.

Her dream has not been put to rest, though.

She still aspires to make the trip to Rio de Janeiro as a member of the 2016 team. She plans to continue training and making a name for herself as a professional runner with a sponsorship and an agent.

She will continue to pursue her dream by working with MU assistant track coach Fred Binggeli and McMillan Running coach Ben Rosario.

“I really have not come across many athletes that would be able to handle all of that stress, but she did an amazing job,” Rosario said. “In the end I think it will make her stronger because she will know, when she steps on the line, how much she sacrificed to be there.”

Leinert will continue to research for her dissertation in special education. She will receive her degree in May 2013 with an emphasis in autism and positive physiology.

“This year I surprisingly figured out how to balance two professional careers,” she said. “I know next year will be a new year with new challenges, but I am excited to work hard to meet those challenges.”