The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever done”
Crested Butte’s own Emma Coburn will be making her Olympic debut on Saturday, August 4, running in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase prelims at 4:35 a.m. Crested Butte time. Maxwell’s will show the replay of the race at 11 a.m. that same day. If Coburn qualifies for the finals, they will then show the finals at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 6.
She’s had a busy schedule leading up to the race with an event in Dublin, Ireland the week prior, the opening ceremonies and everything else. Coburn took time for a Q&A with the Sports Barrel via email. And for Emma’s account of the Opening Ceremony, see the story below.
Any races leading up to Olympics? How did they go?
I raced a mile in Dublin, Ireland on July 25. I ran 4:33 and finished fifth in my race. Everyone in the race was a professional runner, other than Shalaya and I, and most specialize in that event. I wanted to run a few seconds faster and maybe finish a few places higher, but it was a good rust-buster because I hadn’t raced since the trials.
When did you arrive at the Olympic venue?
We landed in London on the 20th and spent the night in the Olympic Village that night to get credentials. Then off to USA track and field training camp in Birmingham, England. I didn’t go into the stadium until the Opening Ceremony though, and obviously I couldn’t really see the track or barriers, so I still haven’t seen the details of my racing venue.
What did you think?
We were so sleepy that I couldn’t really absorb everything that first night. We went back again for a night for the Opening Ceremony and then I could appreciate the Village. Dozens of towers, all about 10 stories tall, with flags hanging off the balconies to show what country is staying where. The USA tower is very close to the dining hall, which we all really appreciate! The dining hall is huge! Bigger than any grocery store I have ever been in—let’s picture the size of 10 Clark’s Markets! There are stations of all different types of food (American/Mediterranean, “Best of Britain,” Jamaican/Caribbean, Indian/Asian) and there is a McDonald’s that is completely free! I have gone there for oatmeal, smoothies, and coffee—but after my race will hit up some of the less healthy options 😉
It is pretty incredible to walk around and see hundreds of athletes dressed head to toe in their country’s team apparel. There is such a strong sense of patriotism from every athlete and the “Olympic Spirit” is in the air.
Have you been on a whirlwind media tour or do you get time to focus/relax?
No media obligations. The USA officials try and keep that to a minimum so that we can focus and relax. We have been traveling so much though that we haven’t had much down time. London, Birmingham, day trip to Wales, Dublin, Birmingham, London, Birmingham—all in 10 days! We have stayed in each place for one to three nights so just lots of traveling. I’m looking forward to the next few days to just relax!
