DENVER — Two Metropolitan State University of Denver students chased their dreams to become college athletes.
Twin brothers Jon and Jordan Duran were told they couldn't compete in cross country because they were short on NCAA class requirements. They have autism and were taking a lighter course load. Now, they're excelling in class and finally racing on behalf of MSU Denver. They raced in the RMAC conference championship on Saturday at Washington Park in Denver.
"Welcome to MSU Denver our RMAC conference championship course," said Jon Duran.
Jon and Jordan are sophomores on the MSU Denver cross country team studying Hospitality. The two are teammates and twins from Arvada.
"I wanted to be like my father, he's a runner too," said Jordan.
Countless hours of training, six days per week, have led up to this moment.
"It's actually an 8K race, which is actually like close to five miles actually," Jon said.
Jon said he pushed through physical pain at mile four.
“Once you hit four miles, it kind of makes you lactic it feels really hurt,” Jon said.
But the title the Duran brothers are most proud of is college athletes.
“We are true runners, we are real college athletes,” said Jon.
“Real student-athletes,” said Jordan.
Their coach, Amanda Rego, said Jon and Jordan were short on NCAA class requirements when they tried to join the cross country team in 2021.
“They both have autism, it's obviously a challenge with them when it comes to academics,” Rego said.
They turned denial into determination to suit up and race for MSU Denver two years later.
“Jonathan and Jordan are like the heart and soul of our team, they are super positive they are great teammates,” Rego said.
They raced for the first time in September, after zooming past expectations in class.
“Jonathan actually has the highest GPA out of our whole team,” Rego said.
Now they're crushing it on the course.
“Coach Amanda said ‘Jordan, you got to catch up, one lap to go, I just sprinted off like a cheetah,’” Jordan Duran said.
“Jor sneaked right behind me he come right like right past me,” Jon Duran said.
The race to the finish line always includes a little friendly sibling rivalry.
“I finally got to beat you for the first time,” Jordan said.
The next stop is regionals on Nov. 8 in Texas. The team will head to nationals after that in Missouri if they qualify.
The Duran twins said after that, their sights are set on lacing up for the 2024 Paralympics.
“Just keep on going, don't listen to other people, what they said to you negative stuff, just go out there have a good heart, be the best thing you can do, just follow your dreams, you know, don't give up,” Jon Duran said.
“Don't give up your life just keep on going,” Jordan Duran said.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Guide