Emma Coburn – 2016
A life grounded in family, love, and patience built a great athlete. Born in Boulder, and moving to Crested Butte at 7 years old, Emma Coburn began her path of greatness. While participating in a middle school track meet, Coburn won a race wearing her brother’s basketball shoes sparking her passion for running.
During her high school career at Crested Butte Community School, Coburn was introduced to the steeplechase. It was the only event available during the track meet, so she filled the spot gaining a passion for long distance running. In 2007, Coburn was a 2A state champion and received All-American Honors. Coburn ran the 2,000-meter steeplechase at the Nike Outdoor Nationals taking 2nd place in 2008.
Coburn attended the University of Colorado. During her matriculation, Coburn was a five time All-American and an Eight-time All-Conference honoree. Coburn was named the 2011 Mile-High Sports Magazine Collegiate Athlete of the Year. She was the youngest U.S. runner to compete at the 2012 Olympics, becoming a Steeplechase Olympian. She was named as the 2013 USTFCCA Indoor and Outdoor Mountain Region Female Track Athlete of the Year, and the 2013 Bowerman Semifinalist. Coburn ended her career at the University of Colorado as a two-time NCAA champion and the 5th CU athlete to win an Olympic medal.
As a professional runner, Coburn participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, becoming the first U.S. woman to stand on an Olympic 3000m steeplechase podium. She received the Bronze medal, with a record time of 9:07.63, breaking her own American record. In 2011and 2013, Coburn won gold at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 3000m Steeplechase. 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 Coburn won gold at the USATF Outdoor Championships in the 3000m Steeplechase. Emma Coburn, 2016 Sportswoman of the Year, has earned her spot in history!!
