Young runner 3-time champ at Junior Olympics

RIO RANCHO — Aiden Lucero, age 11, a distance runner from the Cougar Track Club, turned heads at the 2025 USA Track & Field New Mexico Junior Olympic Championships held June 21-22 at Cleveland High School.

The young Rio Rancho runner won three state titles and cemented himself as one the elite young runners in the state of New Mexico during the event.

“We are so proud of Aiden,” his father, Tim Lucero, said.

Aiden, who competes in the boys 11-12 age division, won gold in the 3,000-meter run, the 1,500-meter run and the 800-meter run.

“It’s really great to see all the hard work he puts into the season — and his passion for running — show out there,” Tim said.

The three-time state champion now advances to the USATF Region 10 Junior Olympics Championships in Mesa, Arizona, this weekend.

“I love running. I am excited to represent New Mexico at regionals,” Aiden said.

The prestigious track meet in Arizona runs July 3-6 at Mesa Community College.