Wilson ‘exceeds all expectations’ in USATF qualifier, places fourth

Monday, June 18, 2018
Emma Wilson of Greencastle (second from left) splashes through the water hazard in the USATF national qualifier at Bloomington on Friday.
Banner Graphic/JOEY BENNETT

BLOOMINGTON — Emma Wilson didn’t really know what to expect on Friday evening going into her first-ever attempt at running the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

She had run a 2,000-meter event the prior weekend, but had not competed at the longer distance.

On Friday, Wilson competed in a field of 10 athletes — seven of whom competed collegiately this spring — in the United States of America Track and Field Junior Championships.

She led the first two laps, easily handling the five 30-inch hurdle obstacles and the water pit. On the third lap, however, Wilson stumbled in the water and after she recovered had fallen toward the back of the pack.

Wilson regained her composure and moved up from eighth place on the third lap to finish in fourth place overall in the 7.5-lap event.

“I felt really comfortable going over the regular barriers,” Wilson said of the obstacles resembling sawhorses used by cities to block off streets for parades. “The water jump kind of threw me a bit. If I race it more, it will get easier. I just wish I hadn’t fallen, and I wish I could have done better.

“I would definitely like another chance next year,” Wilson added. “It’s great to challenge yourself. It would be cool to see how that goes if I do it next year or in college.”

At stake for the top two finishers in each event was a trip to Finland in July to compete for the world championship.

Emma Wilson lands in the water hazard during the USATF national qualifier on Friday at Bloomington.
Banner Graphic/JOEY BENNETT

The winner was Kristin Gear of Furman University, whose time was 10:28.05. Placing second was Alice Hill of Michigan (10:31.07) while Alexandra Harris of Villanova was third (10:37.38).

Wilson’s fourth-place time was 10:52.27, a solid 5.08 seconds faster than the fifth-place finisher.

Wilson ran with the “Miles to Go” club based in Greencastle and operated by Greencastle High School coach Craig Jordan.

Jordan was pleased with Wilson’s effort in the unfamiliar event and against collegiate competition.

“Emma exceeded all expectations,“ he said. “Despite having minimal experience with hurdles, she ran with confidence and put herself in great position throughout the race.”

Jordan was also impressed with how Wilson responded to the adversity of falling early in the race.

Emma Wilson fell back in the pack after falling in the water hazard, but worked her way back up to finish fourth.
Banner Graphic/JOEY BENNETT

“She was very determined and wasn’t going to let anything stop her, not even a hard fall out of the water pit that saw her go from first to seventh in a matter of seconds,” he said. “I was worried for her when it happened but she sprang up and heroically put herself back in the race.”

Emma Wilson easily clears a barrier at the USATF national qualifier on Friday at Bloomington.
Banner Graphic/JOEY BENNETT

Jordan noted that Wilson is the highest finisher of the 10 competittors young enough to compete in 2019 in the Under 20 division, and thinks the event is one in which she can succeed.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see her contesting the event next year, as she’s enjoyed the challenge,” he said. “I’m sure Emma can succeed in the steeplechase at the collegiate level, as well as other events, as she’s a talented runner with a positive attitude, great work ethic and alot of drive.”

Wilson will continue training this summer in preparation for defending her state title in cross country this fall.