On Saturday, July 12, 2014, Emma Coburn made her dreams a reality.
Emma Coburn, 9:11.42 AR, photo by PhotoRun.net
Leading nearly the entire race in Glasgow, Emma Coburn controlled the pace, as the field went through 3:03 for the thousand meter mark, then 6:10 for two kilometers. Emma was on AR pace as the announcer noted, and as Hiwot Ayalew ran right behind her.
Emma Coburn has had a fantastic 2014 season, opening with a nearly five second PB with her 9:19.81 in Shanghai. ” I want to win a DL race this year where they know me, and don’t think of me as the pace maker” laughed a very happy Emma Coburn after her race on Saturday, July 12, 2014.
What was the difference this time her race? That last kilometer, run in 3:01.5, was her fastest, and this time, when Hiwot Ayalew went by her with 300 meters to go, Emma stayed focused and close to her. Her last water jump not withstanding, the exhaustion from a race well-run had to show some effect, as Emma Coburn dug deep, running to the finish.
With so much on the line at the end of a major race, I wondered how Emma felt about her race, her season, her satisfaction after a race well-run. I met Emma in the mixed zone, after she had spoken to several media organizations.
It is a humbling experience for me, many times, to see what these athletes put into their craft. Her is the interview I did with Emma Coburn, the new American record holder at the steeplechase, in a time of 9:11.42!
