Who Is Sylvia? : “Mystery Runner’ at L.A. Marathon No Stranger to Distance Events

Sylvia Mosqueda, a sophomore at East Los Angeles Community College, apparently got into the Marathon by mistake. Her coach, Greg Ryan, said they were unable to find each other in the huge crowd and she thought he had signed her up at the last minute, while he thought she was just there for a workout (following the pack). “She’s real sorry about it (distracting the winner Nancy Ditz),” he said, “she wasn’t out to get publicity or anything.” But make no mistake about this: Ryan said “She’s running amazingly this year--as good as anyone in California.”

Sylvia’s stats--Broke state community-college mark for 5,000-meter cross-country course at Fresno in the fall at 17:06 (old mark, 17:31). Won 10-mile Run Across Los Angeles in December in 57.31, besting Ruth Wysocki. Won CIF cross-country title while senior at San Gabriel High School. Ryan predicated that Mosqueda, 19, will be one of four or five in the state to qualify for the 3,000 and 5,000 at the TAC meet (nationals). “She’s strong and fast--and young,” he said.