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Athlete Spotlight: Elizabeth Finnegan

Ohio, USA | Columbus Ohio Division of Fire

This Cheerleader is on Track

You won’t find a more competitive person at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games than track speedster and jumper Elizabeth Finnegan with the Columbus, Ohio Division of Fire. You also won’t find a bigger smile and friendlier demeanor off the track.

Through four appearances at the annual U.S. Police & Fire Championships, the 38-year-old has swept up gold in 17 of the 18 events she entered, and in 2023 she earned three silver and one bronze medal in her first international competition at the 2023 WPFG in Winnipeg.

“My aunt and my grandmother were runners so it just came natural, but my first love was cheerleading,which I started when I was eight,” she says. “I've always been that person who always has a smile and tries to bring everyone's spirits up.” She adds that this background helps her bring a friendly and supportive presence when dealing with people who are facing extreme challenges and crises.

Elizabeth, who was the first female track and field All-American from Capital University in Columbus, has dealt with her share of challenges. “I have died a thousand deaths on the track, and every time I think I have nothing left to give I find just a little more for the next event,” she shares. “In 2022, I dislocated my knee at the U.S. Police and Fire Games and was scheduled to go to the WPFG in Rotterdam three weeks later. I was unable to run again for awhile, but track has taught me so much about how to ‘just keep going’. Getting to the Games in Canada in 2023 was my comeback story.”

Beyond competition, it’s the camaraderie that feeds her soul. “I look forward to meeting new people from around the world, eating good food and bringing home some medals! You know, I feel like I'm a ‘never stranger in a new city’ going to these games.”

The motivation to become a first responder was rooted in a childhood experience. “We had a house fire and one of the female firefighters was so nice and comforting in our time of need,” she recalls. “I told my mom one day I’m going to be like her. Now here I am hoping that I will inspire another young girl in the same way.”

By Del Moon

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