De Vaal, Helling, Big Ten runners to watch
August 19, 2026 | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
Badger duo recognized by conference
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin's Christian de Vaal and Mikaela Helling were named Big Ten Runners to Watch by the conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Junior Christian de Vaal was consistently one of the Badgers' top runners in 2025. He finished as the Cardinal and Whites' top runner in three races, which included an eighth-place finish at the Big Ten Championship meet (23:36.2) and a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional 10k (29:55.78). De Vaal is a consistent runner who shows up on the big stage, making him a Big Ten runner to watch in 2026.
Junior Mikaela Helling had a breakout performance at the Big Ten Championship meet in 2025, finishing first on the team with a 6K personal best of 20:33.2. Helling consistently finished as the sixth runner for the Badgers last season, but her Big Ten performance proved that she will be a Big Ten runner to watch on the women's side.
Both de Vaal and Helling will have their first opportunity to race at the Badger Classic on Friday, September 4. The women will compete in a 6K race at 10 a.m. with the men's 8K to follow at 10:45 a.m.
