The Junior World Track and Field Championships got underway Tuesday with qualifying heats running in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
BYU runner Amy Fowler, representing the USA, automatically qualified with a fourth-place finish in the second heat with a time of 10:18.54. Fowler earned the chance to represent the U.S. when she placed second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the USA Championships in the junior division. Fowler showed great potential her freshman year by becoming an All-American this past season.
Distance Coach Patrick Shane is coaching Fowler in Beijing, but BYU women's head coach Craig Poole commented that he has seen the results and is excited for Fowler.
"I don't know how hard she had to run to get that 10:18," Poole said. "She may have just run hard enough to qualify, and she did. We are excited for her and hope she continues to do well."
The world's best 19 or younger athletes are coming together on this stage, and after the first day of competition, the U.S. is doing well. That is especially true in the 3000-meter steeplechase, as both athletes have qualified.
"The girl that beat (Fowler) at the national meet qualified with her time," Poole said. "So both American runners are competing in the finals."
Fowler is joined in China by BYU men's 400-meter hurdler Chris Carter, who will compete Wednesday.