UMKC Grad Competes In Olympic Steeplechase Finals

Former University of Missouri-Kansas City Roo, Courtney Frerichs, achieved her lifelong dream: she competed in the Olympic Games.

On Monday, Aug. 15, Frerichs raced for the gold in the finals in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She ranked No. 11 with a time of 9:27:02.

During her time at UMKC, Frerichs set (and beat) multiple records in track and field. She was dubbed UMKC’s first four-time NCAA All American in cross county, indoor track and outdoor track during the 2014-15 season. In that same year, a time of 9:32:12 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase was not only recognized as the top spot in the NCAA, but No. 2 in the world. She beat that time in her Olympics run.

Frerichs received a Bachelors of Arts in Chemistry in 2015 at UMKC. She wants to pursue running professionally and to become a doctor. Read her 2015 interview at UMKC.

A long-time athlete in gymnastics and soccer, Frerichs always had a goal of making it to the Olympics. She achieved that goal this summer when she finished second in the steeplechase during the track and field Olympic trials, qualifying her to represent the U.S. in Rio de Janeiro.