Originally posted August 11, 2017
Reposted on January 7, 2018
Horace Ashenfelter died on January 6, 2018, at the wonderful age of 94. Horace Ashenfelter won the Olympic steeplechase in 1952, the first and last American male to do such an thing. In his honor, we are reposting several pieces on this wonderful man, classmate of our late editor, James Dunaway, and former FBI agent, Penn State grad, and winner of 18 AAU national titles, from cross country to 10k.
I sure hope Horace Ashenfelter was able to see this race on TV. It would have made his heart happy. For Emma and Courtney, like our favorite Penn State grad did sixty five years ago, ran with full emotion and heart, and surpassed their dreams!
The 2017 London World Championship women's steeplechase was the finest steeplechase in WC history, and it showcased the amazing strength of Team USA.
Those who have watched Emma Coburn develop over the past six years have watched her confidence while racing change as well. The steeplechase is a tough event, 27 barriers and 7 water jumps and 3000 meters.
Emma Coburn, Courtney Frerichs go gold and silver in London steeplechase! photo by PhotoRun.net
The pace went out at 3:02 for 1k and 6:05 for 2k. Courtney Frerichs (PB of 9:20.6, 2016) , Emma Coburn (9:07.63, 2016) followed Ruth Jebet (Olympic champion, WR holder, 8:52.78), Celliphene Chespol (under 20 WR holder) , Beatrice Chepkoech (Pre winner, 9:00.70 steeple PB) and Hyvin Jepkemoi (PB of 9:00.01, Pre 2016). This was a scarily experienced field. Oh, a quick addition on Hyvin Jepkemoi: silver medal Rio Olympic steeple, gold in 2015 WC steeple).
The most bizarre thing in the race was just at the first water jump, Beatrice Chepkoech bizarrely missed the first water jump, reversed her steps, and went over the barrier legally. She took about 300 meters to catch up with the pack. Emma Coburn was in fifth place, with Chepkoech, Chespol, Jebet and Jepkemoi in front.
Running out of her mind, Courtney Frerichs was running with the front pack, just behind Coburn as they hit 2k.
Emma Coburn looked to be running within herself. The pace, and perhaps the prolific racing of Ruth Jebet, Cellphine Chespol, and Beatrice Chepkoech all season caught up with them. " This was a very challenging championship," noted Hyvin Jepkemoi.