Star track runner runs for MMIW awareness

CHENEY — Just a few weeks ago, Rosalie Fish became one of the most recognizable athletes at the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association State Track and Field Championship meet held at the Eastern Washington University from May 23 – May 25.

But as Fish represented as a Muckleshoot Tribal School student and circled the track 18 times over three days, she became recognizable for the bright red hand print painted over her mouth and the letters MMIW reading firm on her right leg.

She later took five trips to the awards podium to receive three gold medals, a silver and a sportsmanship award.

She earned three individual state titles in the 800 metre, 1600 metre and 3200 metre, with a silver medal in the 400 metre. During her competitions, she dedicated each race to a woman with some connection to her life. She laid out information on each missing indigenous woman she ran for and at the end presented medals for each of them.

In the 400-meter final, she ran for Misty Anne Upham, the 1,600 for Alice Looney, the 800 for Jacqueline Salyers, and the 3,200 for Renee Davis and Davis’ unborn child. All were indigenous women from Washington.

Fish has received support and praise on social media for her advocacy.

CUTLINE

(from left) Muckleshoot Tribal School earned their 1st WIAA 1B Track and Field State team trophy placing 4th with these athletes including Neala Ike from Yakama, Rosalie Fish from Cowlitz, and Lillianna Ramirez from Muckleshoot. But Fish’s triumph in four races weighed heavier than a trophy win.

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