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Olivia Backholm – Engineering Her Own Path

Date:

April 21, 2026

Written By:

Nina Dahlblom

How young Finnish American Olivia Backholm chose academics first—and found strength in running along the way

Nina Dahlblom

Mar 24, 2026

Written by Nina Dahlblom

For Olivia Backholm, identity begins with the mind. She is, first and foremost, an academic. Yet she is always moving forward—on the track and beyond—toward something bigger, both as an athlete and a future professional, guided by curiosity and quiet determination.

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Photo: Olivia Backholm

On a quiet California morning, long before most students open their laptops, Olivia Backholm is already miles into her day—running.

Not just running, but building something: endurance, discipline, and a life carefully balanced between ambition and joy.

A steeplechase runner competing in NCAA Division III, Olivia has ranked among the top 50 nationally and contributed to a national podium team. Her journey has also taken her to podiums at the Finnish Junior Championships and Nordic Championships presenting Finland. But medals alone don’t define her path.

“I am first and foremost an academic,” she says. “Sport is something I truly enjoy—but it comes after.”

Choosing the Harder Road

For many talented athletes, the dream is clear: aim for Division I, maximize training, chase peak performance.

Olivia chose differently.

She enrolled at Harvey Mudd College, one of the most academically demanding engineering schools in the United States.

“I could have chosen a Division I school where athletics would be the priority,” she explains. “But I made my decision based on academics. I want to be an engineer first, an athlete second.”

It’s a philosophy she encourages others to consider carefully: know your strengths, understand your limits, and choose what matters most to you.

From Potential to Purpose

Olivia’s running story didn’t begin with certainty—it grew into one.

“I’ve always been fast,” she says. “But in high school, I started to believe it could actually take me somewhere.”

That belief turned into action. She reached out to college coaches, navigating the complex U.S. recruitment system herself. A defining moment came when her coach backed her with a powerful recommendation.

“My coach wrote that she wanted me at this school. That meant a lot.”

Equally important was finding the right coach—one whose philosophy aligned with her values. At Harvey Mudd, she found exactly that: Marina Muncan, a coach with Olympic-level experience in 1500 meters and a deep and educated understanding of developing young athletes.

Photo: Olivia Backholm

The Power of the Team

In Finland, elite runners often train alone. In California, Olivia discovered something different.

“Here, everything is done together,” she says. “We have a team where everyone pushes each other forward.”

Her team includes around 50 athletes, and there’s always someone to train with—often across genders, levels, and specialties. That shared energy has reshaped her relationship with training.

“It gives me balance. When I’ve trained well, I can focus better on my studies.”

Her weekly rhythm is intense: six training sessions, often two hours a day, layered on top of a demanding academic schedule. Mornings start early—often before sunrise—with runs, strength sessions, and team breakfasts.

Yet the structure is sustainable.

“There’s a strong focus on health. If you’re injured or sick, you recover properly with adjusted program. That balance matters.”

Life Inside a STEM Bubble

At Harvey Mudd, academics are not just rigorous—they’re immersive.

The college, part of the Claremont Colleges consortium near Los Angeles, has about 900 students and focuses almost entirely on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“There are no ‘easy’ subjects,” Olivia says with a smile. “But the people here are incredible—smart, supportive, and motivating.”

Support systems are deeply embedded: professors are accessible, peer tutoring is common, and collaboration is encouraged.

“If I don’t understand something, I go ask. I get so much more done that way.”

More Than Miles and Metrics

Despite a packed schedule, Olivia’s life extends far beyond the track and classroom.

She thrives in community—shared dinners, tea evenings, spontaneous beach trips, and weekend adventures. She organizes Finnish lunch events, sometimes with visiting Nordic professors.



“We even had once a Chinese student who had actually studied Finnish language.”



Whether it’s watching sunsets at Mount Baldy or hosting friends at Lake Tahoe, she builds connection wherever she goes.

“I love being around people,” she says. “That’s important to me.”

Her living situation reflects that same philosophy: a mixed suite of students across genders and class years, creating a built-in support network.

“It really helps, especially since everyone takes the same core courses in the first years.”

Photo: Olivia Backholm

Discipline as a Competitive Edge

If running has given Olivia anything beyond results, it’s efficiency.

“Athletics teaches you how to manage time,” she explains. “I know how to get things done.”

That mindset is already shaping her future. She’s exploring opportunities in engineering—open to product management, design, or technical roles across industries.

“I’m curious about both engineering and business. And I like working with people.”

She acknowledges the challenge ahead—landing internships without prior experience—but approaches it with characteristic determination.

“I’m ready to take on difficult things. That’s how you grow.”

Running Toward Something Bigger

For Olivia, running is no longer just a tool to reach a university—it’s part of a broader identity.

Not the center, but a powerful force alongside curiosity, community, and ambition.

Her story is not about choosing between sport and academics. It’s about redefining success on her own terms—and proving that sometimes, the strongest path is the one you build yourself.

Photo: Olivia Backholm

Olivia Backholm — At a Glance