If you’ve been following college track & field, you might already know the name Amaris Tyynismaa. But few know the inspiring story behind her steady ascent, from a military kid wrestling with Tourette’s Syndrome to a national champion who’s setting records for NC State. Join me as we dive into her journey, performances, and personal triumph.
H2: Roots and Early Life – Where It All Began
Amaris was born on March 21, 2001, the daughter of Michael and Kristen Tyynismaa NC State University AthleticsAlabama Athletics. As a military brat, her upbringing was anything but stationary, she lived in places like England, Virginia, California, Alabama, and North Carolina Sir Walter Miler.
Even as a child, she faced unique challenges. Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, she experienced debilitating tics and anxiety in early life Highline. But sports, in particular running, became her sanctuary. Movement offered freedom and an outlet: soccer and distance running helped reduce her tics and boost her focus Highline.
H2: High School Achievements – A Glimpse of Greatness
At Montgomery Catholic Prep in Alabama, Amaris dominated in cross country and track. She racked up 26 indoor and outdoor state titles and won five cross country state championships Alabama Athletics. Her mile time as a middle schooler? A jaw-dropping 5:31.86 al.milesplit.com, an early sign of the remarkable athlete she’d become.
H2: College Transition – Alabama to NC State
Amaris initially ran for the University of Alabama for three and a half years Sir Walter Miler. In 2022, she transferred to NC State to join the Wolfpack track & field team NC State University AthleticsSir Walter Miler. Her impact was immediate and profound.
At NC State, she emerged as a powerhouse:
- 2023 ACC Outdoor Champion in the 5,000m and took 6th place in the 1,500m NC State University Athletics.
- She posted a personal best of 15:30.37 in the 5,000m at the Wake Forest Invitational, the third-best in NC State history NC State University Athletics.
- She earned All-American honors in both 2023 cross country and outdoor track (5,000m, First Team) NC State University Athletics.
- She was twice named All-ACC, once for outdoor 5,000m (1st place) and again for outdoor 1,500m (6th place) NC State University Athletics.
- She also distinguished herself academically, earning All-ACC (cross country and outdoor) and USTFCCCA All-Academic honors in 2023 NC State University AthleticsAlabama Athletics.
Further showcasing her range, Amaris clocked a mile PR of 4:32.56 indoors Sir Walter Milertfrrs.org. Her personal records in college are impressive:
- Indoor: 800 m – 2:15.40; 1,000 m – 2:58.31; Mile – 4:32.56; 3,000 m – 8:55.52; 5,000 m – 15:59.71
- Outdoor: 1,500 m – 4:09.48; 5,000 m – 15:30.37; 10,000 m – 33:42.57 al.milesplit.comtfrrs.org.
Recent Highlights – The Guardian Mile Performance
Fast forward to August 2025, Amaris put in a stellar performance at the Guardian Mile, finishing 3rd with a time of 4:35 FloBowling. It’s just the latest in a string of standout races that signal her transition from NCAA star to a serious professional contender.
H2: Analysis of Her Journey and What Makes It Special
H3: The Tourette’s Triumph
Amaris’s story is more than athletics—it’s about resilience. From early life challenges with Tourette’s Syndrome, sports provided both mental relief and physical control. Through soccer, cross country, and track, she found ways to quiet her tics and focus her energy and talent Highline.
H3: Natural Talent + Work Ethic
Her high school records and state titles underscore natural ability. But her upward trajectory in college—rapid personal bests, regional titles, All-American honorsk reflects a fierce work ethic and dedication that propels her even when competition is stiff.
Versatility Across Distances
From 800m to the 10,000m, Amaris shows remarkable range. Few athletes can claim similar breadth—from a blistering indoor mile (4:32.56) to a punishing 10K (33:42.57) al.milesplit.comtfrrs.org. This versatility makes her a valuable asset—whether competing for points or chasing titles.
FAQs to Boost SEO
Q1: Who is Amaris Tyynismaa?
A1: Amaris Tyynismaa is an American collegiate distance runner known for her record-breaking times in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m. A former University of Alabama athlete, she transferred to NC State where she became ACC champion and two-time All-American.
Q2: What notable titles has Amaris Tyynismaa won?
A2: In 2023, Amaris won the ACC Outdoor 5,000m title, earned All-American honors for cross country and outdoor track (5,000m), and accumulated multiple academic awards for her scholarly performance.
Q3: What are Amaris Tyynismaa’s personal bests?
A3: Her collegiate personal records include an indoor mile of 4:32.56, an outdoor 1,500m of 4:09.48, a 5,000m of 15:30.37, and a 10,000m of 33:42.57.
Recap: Why Amaris Tyynismaa Inspires
What makes Amaris’s journey compelling isn’t just her times on the trackl it’s her rebirth through sport. From battles with Tourette’s and frequent relocations, she discovered liberation in motion. In college, she hasn’t just competed—she’s conquered. Her story speaks to grit, versatility, and resilience.
