Nixa native Courtney Frerichs is headed to the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro next month after a spectacular showing in Thursday night’s rainy 3,000 meter steeplechase final at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
VIDEO: 3,00 meter steeplechase final lap
Frerichs was running fifth for most of the race, fourth by the final lap, but made a late kick on the final turn to pass two runners, finishing second with a time of 9:20.92.
“I am just ecstatic,” said Frerichs shortly after her race, nationally televised on NBC Sports. “This year couldn’t have gone more perfect and to be with these two girls (Emma Coburn, winner and Colleen Quigley, 3rd place) I’m just so happy.”
Frerichs is now the fourth fastest female steeplechaser in American history with the 12th fastest American run ever.
She reached the Olympic Trials last month, setting the NCAA record with a time of 9:24.41, running for the University of New Mexico.
Next up, Frerichs will don the red, white and blue for Team USA in Rio. The Opening Ceremonies are August 5 and can be seen locally on KY3.
Fellow Olympic qualifier Colleen Quigley, a Bowerman Track Club and Nike teammate of Frerichs and St. Louis, Mo. native, is the niece of veteran Republic High School baseball coach Howard Quigley.
Below is a story on Frerichs from the NCAA Regionals in Lawrence, KS.
