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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022
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David Torrence Legacy Foundation Donates Equipment to Young Runners Charity named for 2016 Olympian and created by his mother, a Malibu Realtor By MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
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lympic and professional middle-distance runner David Torrence dreamed of aiding young runners in his mother’s native country of Peru. Torrence, who represented Peru in the 5,000-meter race at the 2016 Olympics, wanted to hold training clinics, establish healthy eating and exercise programs, and do almost anything to benefit the South American country’s running community. On April 27, a foundation created in Torrence’s memory in the wake of his passing at the age of 31 in 2017 took running strides to do that. The David Torrence Legacy Foundation donated running shoes and running gear such as shorts and T-shirts to 93 athletes ages 10 to 18 at an event at Estadio Huancayo, a multi-use stadium in Huancayo, Peru, said David’s mother, Malibu realtor Bianca Torrence. “They were so excited,” said Torrence, DTLF’s president, of the young runners. “Just the joy of them receiving a pair of shoes, the smiles on their faces was priceless. This is what David wanted to do.” The youths who received the running
Bianca Torrence (second from left), mother of the late runner David Torrence, poses with David Torrence Legacy Foundation volunteers and young athletes during a giveaway event in Huancayo, Peru. Contributed Photos
paraphernalia all hailed from the uplands of the Andes Mountains, an area that produces a lot of talented runners because of the high altitude. However, the young athletes from the area don’t have access to many items needed for their sport, said Torrence. “A lot of times they don’t have shoes,” she said. “Running shoes and running gear are really needed.” DTLF held the giveaway with two other organizations, Peru Runners and a nonprofit called Chakiwayra, which means “Feet that Fly” in Quechuan, an indigenous language spoken by Quechua peoples in Peru. In addition to the giveaway, there was also an event held to identify talented athletes.
MALIBU’S BEST SHT
David Torrence, the 2016 The Malibu Times’ Athlete of the Year, was found dead in a Scottsdale, Arizona, apartment complex’s swimming pool on Aug. 28, 2017. Torrence was in Arizona training for a race. He died a little over a year after competing in the Olympics. Torrence had been a successful professional runner for years, and had begun to set Peruvian running records in professional races after his appearance in the Olympics. Torrence was the first Peruvian to ever qualify for an Olympic final in track and the first Peruvian to run the mile in less than four minutes. His mother said most of the young Peruvian runners know about David
Bianca Torrence (left) and David Torrence Legacy Foundation Director Talia Saraf are shown with a banner depicting David during a giveaway for young athletes in Huancayo, Peru.
because of his track exploits and how he wanted to raise Peru’s status in the running world. “David is a source of inspiration for all of them because he made a statement, empowering them,” Bianca said. “He let them know that they have the talent. If they believe in themselves they can be the best. He said Peruvians can be some of the best athletes in the world. That echoed in their spirit. They asked questions about David.” DTLF is also awarding a $500 scholarship to Malibu senior Hunter Shanahan, a soccer player. Last year, the scholarship was given to Emma Sudwaun, and the year before, to Aiden Gunnasekera. The scholarship is given each year
By TRISHA ANAS Special to The Malibu Times
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Inspiring women to get involved one race at a time Malibu Run organizer Erica Segel selected as chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee
Pelicans Galore: off Malibu Road, iPhone 13 pro max. Photo by William Sloan MD
to a student that excels in sports and in the classroom and exemplifies David’s character, spirit, discipline, and integrity in sports. Bianca said the foundation is also seeking to establish a scholarship at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. David led the school’s track team to a CIF title when he was in high school. David’s mother said DTLF’s work wouldn’t be possible without donations and support she received from people in Malibu and David’s social circle. She said Pepperdine law professor Jeff Baker helped DTLF achieve nonprofit status in 2020. Torrence hopes to donate running
earing a pair of her best running shoes, Erica Segel has spearheaded the Malibu Run Series for nearly seven years. Not only will she be lacing up for the upcoming Malibu Half Marathon in November, she’ll be prepping for her new position as chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce. “I know I have to step in and fill big shoes,” Segel said. “It’s like being part of this process where a group of powerful women are coming together and determining how we can bring about change and make an impact for each member and the community.” With hosting events that center around bringing the Malibu community together, the Chamber of Commerce provides networking opportunities to local companies and businesses through programs that help create a strong local economy. Segel, born and raised in Italy, moved to Malibu in 2011 after receiving her master’s degree in management engineering.
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Erica Segel says her new position as chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Committe will help her connect more with the Malibu community. Photo Courtesy of Erica Segel
“I came to the United States with a job I landed right out of college and I worked in Malibu as an executive assistant for a philanthropist that was based in Malibu,” Segel said. “For five years, I was on this high-speed train non-stop. At the same time, I was starting to spend time in Malibu and learn about this community.” In the process, Segel was reeled into the Malibu Run Series which was started by her ex-husband. “I was transitioning out of my job and had a background in management engineering, so [he] said why don’t you
give it a try?” Segel said. “In reality, I was no runner. But I said that I would give it a shot. The first year, I was very late in the game, but I observed a lot and I was blown away by the experience I had just witnessing people running. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything more magical.” Chamber President and Chairman Chris Wizner said that they are very lucky to have Segel, who has been leading the Malibu Half Marathon event for nearly seven years. “She’s the perfect example of an incredible local Malibu woman leader,” Wizner wrote in an email. “She’s friendly, humble, resilient, highly intelligent and has a beautiful heart. We’re so excited to see how she leads the way with our local community and inspires more women to get involved, lead and make a powerful difference.” Segel said she’s been a part of the Chamber for a few years, but recently felt compelled to be more involved. “Chris [Wizner] was telling me about the importance of committees, so when the Women’s Leadership Committee was introduced to me as an idea, I felt like it was definitely relevant. I wanted to be a part of it and at the same time, I thought it could be an incredible opportunity for growth.” Segel said that training for a half marathon and running can be used as life CONTINUED ON PAGE B3
