Meet Sintayehu Vissa (known as Sinta)!

Hometown - Pozzecco (Udine), Italy
High School - G. Ceconi (Udine, Italy)
College - Ole Miss

Favorite color? Green.

Favorite food? Lasagna.

Favorite drink? Ginger beer.

Favorite running training shoe? On Cloudmonster 3

Favorite running race shoe? On Cloudspike Amplius 2

Favorite place to run? St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Best race memory? Qualifying for the semifinal at the Paris Olympics.

Personal best times?

800m – 2:01.06

1500m – 3:58.11

Mile – 4:21.51

3km – 8:40.81

What injuries have you had in the past? I’ve dealt with ACL and PLC injuries.

How do you feel about your injury mentally? The injuries were very difficult mentally, especially the one that required surgery because of the long recovery timeline and the uncertainty that comes with it. However, my motivation has always been to keep working hard, stay positive, and come back stronger than before.

What's your recovery plan? Recovery was challenging at times, but having a strong support system around me helped a lot throughout the process. The first 0–3 months focused mainly on basic rehab and rebuilding strength. Around month 3, I began controlled rehab with light running both on the ground and with the LightSpeed Lift, and from month 6 onward, I gradually increased my workload in a smart and structured way.

How has LightSpeed Lift been incorporated into your training and recovery plan? The LightSpeed Lift became very important as soon as I started running again. It helped me rebuild properly, run with confidence, and progress in a smart and safe way while still having support and balance throughout each session and recovery phase.

What do you love best about the LightSpeed Lift? What I love most is that it allowed me to go from not running at all to being fully back again. It supported both my body and my mindset during recovery, especially with the different body-weight support options and the progressive return to running.

How long have you been using the LightSpeed Lift? I started using the LightSpeed Lift around 3 months after surgery, and now, at 9 months post-op, I’m fully back and still use it once a week for recovery runs.

What benefits do you see physically and mentally from using LightSpeed Lift? My number one priority is my health. The lightspeed lift allowed me to get in full training while making sure that I am staying on top of this. Physically I am able to be in the best shape possible while having the peace of mind that I am doing everything that I need to for my body to stay healthy.

When do you use the LightSpeed Lift? And why? Now that I am back at full training but still want to be cautious, I now use it for doubles in the evening and on my recovery days. It allows me to get the benefits of running, without the pounding on my body and the load on my knee.

Which LightSpeed Lift system do you use? LSX-500 at OAC Gym in Boulder, CO.

“Watching Sinta run with grace and joy on her face and spring in her step as she comes back from serious knee surgery puts a smile on my face and heart." - Malcolm Macaulay, LightSpeed Lift Founder

Photos by Brooks Freehill / cover photo by JKH Photo