A dream delayed was not a dream denied for Marisa Howard, and the moment that she’d worked so hard for had finally come to fruition in Eugene at the U.S. Olympic Trials.
The Boise State alum, current coach, and talented 3000m steeplechaser has overcome various obstacles and trials throughout her running career. She has come close to making Team USA multiple times, finishing 5th at the last three USATF Championships. But that was not to be the case at the USATF Olympic Trials.
Howard briefly took the lead heading into the final lap, and used a strong finish to finish in third place and sprint her way onto her first Olympic team with a new personal best time of 9:07.14.
Howard said that it won’t fully sink in that she’s an Olympian until she sets foot in Paris and takes in her surroundings. But it’s not lost on her what she’s accomplished, and the fact that she’s an Olympian competing for Team USA.
“It hits me when you introduce me as an Olympian. On some interviews, I’m like, ‘Oh my, that’s me,’” she said. “I don’t think it’ll fully hit me until we’re over there, which will be fun, too. It’ll be another exciting moment over there.”
Howard credits her faith as her guiding light and where she finds her confidence. That confidence proved itself to be true, especially after coming off a disappointing race result prior to the Olympic Trials.
Howard competed at the Portland Track Festival back in early June and wasn’t overly thrilled with her result. She had an honest conversation with her longtime coach Pat McCurry, and he challenged her to draw confidence from the gifts and skills that God has given her, and for who she is and what she was born to do.
“Ultimately as a Christian, that courage and confidence has to come from the Lord,” she said. And I think there’s been aspects of my career where I’m trying to pull that confidence from getting a sponsor, or from workouts or things like that.”
Howard has taken confidence from the result that she achieved at the Trials, and she’s excited for the next phase of career, as she continues to improve.
“I almost feel like it’s the next chapter of my career,” she said. You kind of level up to this next level, and excited to be in this next chapter.”
Howard admires the great American steeplechasers who have done great things in the event over the years. Two of the legends that she has great respect for include Emma Coburn and Courtney Frerichs, who didn’t compete at the Trials due to injury. Both athletes helped to raise the standard for the event, which caused the athletes competing to put their best foot forward when they stepped on the line to compete, which also led to a historic performance.
“I think what you saw was us having to level up because we knew that we had to bring our best, whether or not they were on the line or not,” she said. “And so they’ve just completely elevated this generation of women steeplers, and it’s really cool to be a part of that.”
Howard will have her full support crew over in Paris, led off by her husband Jeff, their son Kai and her parents, among other family members who will make the trip. Howard is excited to celebrate her birthday in Paris with her family after she finishes competing. She’s also excited to explore the pastry scene in the city as well.
“I’m a big baker, and I heard that the pastries on every block are incredible,” she said. “I’ve heard every place is incredible. That’s probably the two things I’m looking forward to the most aside from racing.
Howard will join Valerie Constien and Courtney Wayment in Paris, as the trio will represent Team USA in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. The U.S. women have secured a medal in the event at the past two Olympic Games, with Coburn earning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and Frerichs earning a silver medal at the 2020 games in Tokyo, respectively. Howard believes that the streak can continue at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I think us three have a chance to medal, which is insane,” she said. “That’s so cool to be able to do that, and to bring that back to the U.S. after Emma and Courtney have kind of paved the way for us.”
WATCH: What a finish in the women’s 3000m steeplechase | U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials
