Skip to main content

Follow the
Pac-12 to Rio

Coverage of the Pac-12
student-athletes, coaches and alumni
who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics

U.S. Olympic Trials: Colorado alumna Emma Coburn clinches Rio berth in steeplechase

Jul 8, 2016
TrackTown USA

EUGENE, Ore. – Action Thursday and Friday at the 2016 Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field saw over 20 current or former Pac-12 athletes keeping their Olympic dream alive, and one former Pac-12 athlete make that dream a reality.

American record holder and Colorado alumna Emma Coburn did what she does best. She covered 3,000 meters and cleared 28 barriers (and 7 water jumps) in 9:17.48 to win and earn her Olympic berth in the steeplechase.

While at Colorado, Coburn was a five-time All-American and the Pac-12 steeplechase champion.

“I don’t know where the confidence in athletic abilities came from, coming from a town of 1,500 people where no one competes in DI athletics,” said Coburn following her win.

Wherever it came from, it’s working for her, as this is her second Olympic berth.

Friday’s action saw no more Pac-12 athletes qualify for the Olympics – yet. Just like the women’s 100m that was won by a former Pac-12 athlete, the women’s 200m sees six current or former Pac-12 athletes heading to the semifinal round.

Oregon alumna Jenna Prandini will be joined by current Ducks Ariana Washington and Deajah Stevens on the line for the women’s 200m semifinal. Joining them is Sun Devil Charonda Williams and Trojans Deanna Hill and Allyson Felix.

Over half of the 13 men making up the men’s 1,500m final hail hail from the Conference of Champions. Oregon is sending six alums: Matthew Centrowitz, Colby Alexander, Johnny Gregorek, Daniel Winn, Jordan McNamara and Andrew Wheating. Washington’s Izaic Yorks is toeing the line as the final Pac-12 athlete in the race on Sunday.

On the women’s side of the event, three finalists in the 1,500m are from the Pac-12 – and all from Colorado. Jenny Simpson, Sara Sutherland and Sara Vaughn are all former Buffs and all have a shot at making the Olympic team.

To continue following the results of the dozens of Pac-12 athletes still competing, please visit: http://trialsresults.usatf.org/