by Jeff Benjamin
Emma Coburn just won her tenth US Championships in June 2022! Emma took the Olympic bronze in 2016, won the World Champs gold in 2017, and won the World Champs silver in 2019. Juggling the pandemic and some injuries, Emma is now back at full strength, after confidence-boosting domination of the US steeplechase championships this past June. Jeff Benjamin sent interviewed Emma Coburn just before her return to Eugene, Oregon for the first World Outdoor Championships in the United States!
Countdown To The Worlds With Emma Coburn!
By Jeff Benjamin
1. How’s training been coming along?
“ Training has been going well. Coming off of the US Champions the goal was to recover but to also fit in some quality training. I amped my mileage back up and had four workouts the week after US Champs but nothing was too intense. Just trying to get some quality, moderate work in and some volume again.”
2. How do you psychologically prepare to take on this world-class field?
“We luckily get a lot of experience racing the world-class field through the Diamond League. I raced most of these women at the Prefontaine Classic and while I didn’t run very well that day, it was good to observe what everyone is up to and what kind of shape people are in. Mentally, I’m approaching it in the same way as I do any championship, just ready to compete hard.”
USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships held at Hayward Field, University of Oregon, June 23-26, 2022, photo by Kevin Morris
3. How challenging is it to juggle 2 peaks in your training – the USATF meet and then the Worlds 3 weeks later?
“US athletes have this experience every championship. We have to be perfect at our Nationals but then have to be perfect again 3-6 weeks later for the World Championships or Olympics. I typically just trust in the plan that my coach lays out and put my head down and not think too much about the taper/peak/train/taper/peak cycle.”
4. Your return as National Champion was one of the most inspiring wins of the USATF meet – over the past year did you have doubts and what kept you going?
“ It is always a challenge to win at US Championships, and this year was no different. Competing against the Olympic Silver Medalist and American Record holder and also the NCAA Record Holder forces me to stay really focused and disciplined in executing the plan. I think the three of us are all at the top of our game and there should be three USA jerseys lined up on the starting line in the final at Worlds. Winning my 10th title was very special and I feel proud of that accomplishment for sure.”
5. You’ve been successfully versatile in events from the 1500, Mile, and obviously the Steeplechase – any idea what the future might look like?
“ My running future is still going to be the steeplechase for a long long time. I love it and my body doesn’t hate it yet so I’m sticking to it.”
6. Will there be a Coburn cheerleading group in Eugene and of whom will it be comprised?
“We will have a big Team Boss cheering group and yes, lots of Coburns! My parents and sister will be there, plus the Bosshard family, plus some close friends. I’m very happy that they will be there!”
