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Podcast: What draws runners to the steeplechase?

Courtney Frerichs of Team United States competes in round one of the Women's 3000m Steeplechase heats on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games ((Photo By Patrick Smith/Getty Images))

The Podium

The 3000m steeplechase is a unique event at the Olympics, and host Lauren Shehadi catches up with some of the competitors to ask what drew them to the sport. Then, Doug Payne joins the podcast to talk about the Olympic equestrian competitions.

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Silver medalist Courtney Frerichs says that the steeplechase incorporates skills she learned through doing gymnastics and playing soccer while Emma Coburn explains what makes a good steeplechaser. Canadian Genevieve Lalonde describes the steeplechase as "a grown-up obstacle course," and Australia's Georgia Winkcup shares the story of the "horrific" first race she ran at age 14.

Payne breaks down the three phases of the eventing competition and emphasizes the importance of bravery when jumping with a horse. 

You can listen to the full episode of The Podium on Spotify or below:

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