TOKYO – Former University of San Francisco track and field runner, Lizzie Bird ('18) captured ninth in the finals of the women's 3,000 meter steeplechase this morning. It was a historic finish for Bird, as she was the first member of the British team to run in the finals of the steeplechase and set a new British National record in the event, crossing the line with a time of 9:19.68.
 
Bird's time broke her previous best, set when qualifying for the Games in Monaco last month, with a time of 9:22.80. At the preliminary's she took fifth in the third heat with a stellar time of 9:24.34.
 
Uganda's Peruth Chemutai took home the gold, finishing with a time of 9:01.45. In second was Courtney Frerichs of the United States, with Kenya's Hyvin Kiyeng winning bronze.
 
USF has a rich tradition of athletes in the Olympics, with four athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics. Former track stars Elena Burkard ('16) and Lea Meyer competed for Germany in the steeplechase with Bird.
 
Another former Don, Maor Tiyouri ('14), appearing in her second Olympics for Israel, will compete in the women's Marathon on Friday morning.
 
For updates on USF's Olympic Dons be sure to follow Dons track and field on Twitter and Instagram at @DonsXCTF.