Fort Lewis College alum Hosava Kretzmann is running toward the Olympic stage and carrying his community with him every step of the way.

Kretzmann (Public Health, ’18), a citizen of the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation, has qualified for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials after running a personal best 2:15:50 at The Marathon Project in December 2025 more than three minutes faster than his previous best and under the qualifying standard. The milestone positions him among an elite group of distance runners nationwide and among a growing number of Indigenous athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.

“For myself, I come from a culture and a background, being both Hopi and Diné, where running is central,” Kretzmann said. “Running is part of our ceremonies and daily life. I’m glad I can represent that and make my tribal communities proud.”

A journey rooted in community

Originally from Hotevilla on Third Mesa of the Hopi Reservation, Kretzmann said running has always been grounded in cultural teachings and community responsibility.

“Whatever you do in life, do it for your community,” he said, recalling advice from his mother that continues to guide his training and goals.

That mindset carried him through challenges early in his academic career. As a high school student, he nearly left school due to poor grades before a cross-country coach encouraged him to improve academically if he wanted to continue running—a turning point that reshaped his path.

He began exploring collegiate running after attending community college in Flagstaff, Arizona. While searching for an affordable option to continue both his education and athletic training, he discovered Fort Lewis College and its Native American tuition waiver. After connecting with then cross-country coach Mark Dutro, he found both opportunity and community in Durango.

Kretzmann enrolled at Fort Lewis College, where he competed in cross country and track for three years while earning a degree in public health. He graduated in 2018.

“Fort Lewis College really shaped who I am today,” he said. “The community, the trails and the support I found there helped me grow not just as a runner, but as a person.”

 

Training in Durango

During his time in Durango, Kretzmann trained extensively on local trails, including the Rim Trail, Horse Gulch and routes near Hesperus. He said the landscape deepened his connection to running as both a physical and spiritual practice.

“In Hopi culture, we run for the land, for the sun and for our crops,” he said. “We run to give thanks. It’s a full circle we appreciate the land, and the land gives back to us.”

That perspective continues to shape his competitive career. Now based in Flagstaff, a global hub for distance runners, Kretzmann trains at altitude while balancing academic and professional commitments.

Looking ahead to the Olympic stage

Kretzmann is currently preparing for upcoming races and seeking sponsorship support as he trains toward the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles. While he has received occasional gear and race support from brands, he largely funds his training independently.

Alongside his running career, he holds a master’s degree in public health from Northern Arizona University, where he’s currently pursuing a Ph.D., focusing on Native American health. He frequently visits schools across the Hopi and Navajo Nations to speak with students about running, education and self-belief.

“I hope more Native youth are paying attention and know their dreams can come true,” he said. “I want to motivate and inspire them in some way.”

As he continues his journey toward the Olympic stage, Kretzmann said his purpose remains clear.

“When I run, I’m never just running for myself,” he said. “I’m running for my family, my community and the next generation.”