Now you know what happened to that neighborhood kid who ran outside to jump in puddles after every rain. He became a steeplechase runner. The event that began as a race from the church steeple in one town to the church steeple in another has evolved into a 3000-meter track event where competitors leap hurdles and water pits along the way. And beginning in 2008 the women get to play in the water, too, at the first-ever Olympic women's steeplechase event, in Beijing.
About Olympic Steeplechase:
They run, they jump, they splash. Steeplechase competitors must leap over wide, immovable hurdles - often side-by-side with other runners - and can't help but get their feet wet in the 12-foot long water pits. Read more about how steeplechasers accomplish these tasks.
Olympic Steeplechase History:
Women didn't compete in Olympic track and field until 1928. Today, the list of women's events is almost the same as that of the men. The day when the two lists are exactly the same draws a step closer as the women's 3000-meter steeplechase makes its Olympic debut in 2008. On the men's side, from 1984-2004 Kenyans won all six gold medals plus five silvers and two bronzes. Brian Diemer was the last U.S. medalist, winning the bronze in 1984.
Action Image Gallery:
Watch elite steeplechasers run, jump and splash their way to victory in the following action photos.
The Athletes:
Take a look at the top 2008 Olympic steeplechase hopefuls, from the U.S. and around the world, then catch up with some familiar names from the past with these selections.
