George Mason track and field assistant coach Susanna Sullivan delivered a career-best performance on the world stage, finishing fourth in the women's marathon at the World Championships in Japan.

Entering the race ranked No. 99 in the world, Sullivan battled extreme sweltering conditions to finish just one spot off the podium. To date, only two American women have ever medaled in the event, making Sullivan's effort a performance of historic proportions.

"Susanna's result was spectacular," said George Mason Head Coach Andrew Gerard. "This was not a race for fast times — it was about racing the competition and handling the conditions. Susanna showed tremendous composure and toughness, and this is a result she and U.S. distance running can be very proud of."

Sullivan took over leading duties with a 17:10 split and led the field through 25K. The two favorites, Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia, passed the 35-year-old just after the 18-mile mark.

The result was particularly sweet redemption after her 58th place finish in the same event at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest where she finished despite suffering a fractured kneecap, mid-race.