Who is American athletics sensation and World Champion Emma Coburn?

Steeplechase is a little different from other middle-distance athletics events, involving fitness, desire and extreme athleticism, it’s not for everyone. For Emma Coburn, however, it’s her career, and has led to her dominating on the world stage.

Born in Colorado, Coburn was exposed to sports early, participating in everything from cross-country to basketball while attending Crested Butte Community School.

Coburn told Active in 2016 her introduction to running came from her desire to follow her older siblings: “I looked up to my brother and sister and wanted to do what they were doing, just to be with them.”

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Initially, Coburn wasn’t sold on track, telling Active, “It wasn't until halfway through high school that I truly became invested [in track].”

Following a six-hour drive to New Mexico for a track meet, Coburn’s father suggested she try another, even beyond just her scheduled 800m race. The only event that she could fit into her schedule was the steeplechase, and Coburn never looked back.

For those unfamiliar, steeplechase involves runners competing over 2000 or 3000m, all while jumping over barriers (like taller hurdles) and water jumps. It is unlike any other event at a typical athletics meet.

Coburn took to steeplechase like she was born to it, with Active reporting she won the 2007 Great Southwestern Classic 2000m steeplechase aged just 16.

Coburn’s win at the 2007 Great Southwestern Classic saw her qualify for the Outdoor Nationals, where she finished fourth and impressed her soon-to-be coach, Mark Wetmore.

Wetmore and Coburn worked hard during her late teen years, helping her reach the prestigious heights of US College athletics, where she attended University of Colorado, winning two steeplechase national titles and an indoor mile title, per the Colorado Buffaloes website.

Coburn’s attention soon shifted from college athletics to the Olympics, where she would need to qualify to attend the games in London. At the US Olympics Trials, Coburn ran the fourth-fastest 3000m steeplechase time in US women’s history, per All-Athletics.

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The 2012 Olympics in London was the site of Coburn’s debut on the Olympic stage, and she did not disappoint, finishing ninth in a stacked field aged just 21.

2013 signalled the end of Coburn’s collegiate career, allowing her to focus full-time on athletics. Per The Denver Post, Coburn signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with New Balance.

Before the games, Coburn told Active, “I want people watching my race that night to feel as optimistic about my racing future as I do.” And she certainly accomplished that, running a remarkable 9:07.63 in the 3000m steeplechase to take home a bronze medal, becoming the first American women to win a medal in steeplechase, per the Olympics website.

2017 saw Coburn go even better, winning the World Championships in London, becoming the first American woman to win a gold medal at the World Championships or Olympics.

Two years after her gold medal winning performance, Coburn ran a 9:02.35 to set a personal record and win a silver medal in the World Championships, per World Athletics.

The delayed 2020 Olympics were not a success for Coburn, who was disqualified for touching the track's delimiting railing following a fall.

Away from athletics, Coburn has amassed a huge social media following, with over 500,000 followers on Instagram, where she provides her followers with insights into her training and personal life.

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