Steeplechase popularity increasing among American women

Posted August 2nd, 2007 at 12:15 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Running & Training, Track & Field, Training Tips

ann gaffigan steeplechaser runner track and field The 3000m Steeplechase never has had as much of a following as have other track events. In fact, only recently did it become an official Olympic sport for women. (The inaugural women’s 3000m Steeplechase will be held in Beijing, China in 2008.) All of that is beginning to change, however, especially for women in the United States.

For you ladies interested in becoming steeplechasers, there’s a great resource for you over at Steeplechics.com, a website that “provides a medium for a growing body of information, about steeplechase for girls and women.”

The site is run by Ann Gaffigan, a steeplechaser and 2004 University of Nebraska graduate. Gaffigan was the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials champion in the 3000m Steeplechase. Gaffigan has been hindered for some time by a mysterious ailment that has kept her from performing at her best.

When I caught up with her recently, she mentioned that she was finally on her way back to top form, saying:

“I am beginning to feel better, not only physically, but mentally, which is key. Beijing is the ultimate goal, so here goes nothing!”

Lisa Galaviz, another Steeplechic’s contributor, recently set a new American record of 9:28.75 in the Steeplechase at the KBC Night of Athletics meet in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. She blogged about her race:

I think I came through the mile around 5:04ish. Then it was time to really focus and I still felt good. I even lost track of the laps, thinking I still I had 3 laps to go I came up to the finish line and realized I only had 2 laps to go! That’s the best feeling in the world, it rarely happens in outdoor track. I just kept passing people, not necessarily because I was picking the pace up, but more because they were slowing down. I knew I was going to PR, I was just hoping for low 9:30’s! Then I finished and everyone was saying “I think you got the American record, it was close but I think you got it.” It’s the happiest I felt since making the World Team in 2005.

For news, results, lists, a calendar, photos, Steeple Chics bio’s, equipment & facilities, history, rules, training & racing advice and a store, you can visit: [Steeplechics.com] .

To read about the IOC’s approval of the women’s 3000m Steeplechase as an official Olympic event: [Time-to-run.com]

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