Willard Breaks American Record in Women’s Steeplchase Final

Posted July 4th, 2008 at 1:47 AM by Stephanie Lowe

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics

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Fireworks lit the night sky as Anna Willard shattered the American record in the Olympic Trials 3000m Steeplechase. She ran the race in 9:27.59. Lindsey Anderson (9:30.75) and Jenny Barringer (9:33.11) will join her in Beijing.

Going into the race, Willard and Barringer both wanted the record. Willard tried at the American Milers Club meet in Indianapolis and Barringer came close at the NCAA DI Championships, but neither succeeded. This was the day to do it. Barringer was in front until the last 800 meters.

“I wanted to go out and set the stage for an American record,” she said.

Barringer said even though she did not get the record, her number-one goal was to make the U.S. Olympic Team. This is the first time that the women’s steeplechase will be in the Olympic Games, so these three women made history.

“It’s unbelievable to be a part of that for the first time ever,” Anderson said.

The women’s steeplechase record has improved rapidly since it is a relatively new event. It could fall again in Beijing. The event is so tactical that the athletes constantly discover ways to improve and test their physical limits.

“Every race we’re pushing ourselves farther,” Barringer said.

Willard, Barringer and Anderson agree that the future is bright for the women’s steeplechase and have set the bar high.

“Hopefully we set the stage for some amazing times after the Olympics,” Barringer said.

1 Anna Willard Nike 9:27.59 AR
2 Lindsey Anderson Nike 9:30.75
3 Jennifer Barringer Colorado 9:33.11
4 Nicole Bush Michigan State 9:40.27
5 Lisa Galaviz Nike 9:48.27
6 Kara June Asics Aggie 9:49.56
7 Amanda Lorenzen Team Indiana Elite 9:49.74
8 Carrie Messner-Vickers Asics 9:49.93
9 Carrie Strickland Bowerman A C 9:53.67
10 Ann Gaffigan New Balance 9:54.93
11 Kristin Anderson Nike 10:00.24
12 Sariah Long unattached 10:00.62
13 Lesley Higgins New York A C 10:04.04
14 Delilah DiCrescenzo Riadha/Puma 10:04.70

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