TOKYO – Former University of San Francisco track and field athlete Lizzie Bird, has advanced to the finals of the women's 3,000 meter steeplechase. The 2018 graduate becomes the first British woman to qualify for the final of this event.
 
Battling grueling heat, Bird took fifth in the third and final heat in the preliminary's, finishing with a time of 9:24.34. The time was just under two seconds shy of her UK record time of 9:22.80.
 
"I didn't want to come here just for the experience," said Bird. "I wanted to compete and get as high as I can and this year, more than ever, I knew I could be competitive."

Former teammate, Elena Burkard who was in the same heat competing for Germany finished sixth in the heat with a time of 9:30.64. Lea Meyer who was teammates with Bird in 2018, finished seventh in the first heat with a time of 9:30.64.

Winfred Yavi of Bahrain led all qualifiers with the fastest heat time in the event's history, clocking in with a time of 9:10.80.  Peruth Chemutai of Uganda, Emma Coburn and Courtney Frerichs of the United States, Gesa Krause of Germany and Beatrice Chepkoech of Kenya all advanced to the finals.

The women's 3,000 meter finals will take place on Wednesday, August 4 at 4:00 p.m. PT. For updates on the USF Olympians and Dons track and field, be sure to follow USF on Twitter and Instagram @DonsXCTF.