Topalian , 30 , was a hurdler in high school who gave up the sport while studying at the University of Rhode Island .
Almasian , 26 , was a middle - distance runner for the University of New Hampshire .
Topalian , 30 , was a hurdler in high school who gave up the sport while studying at the University of Rhode Island , and Almasian , 26 , was a middle - distance runner for the University of New Hampshire .