Genevieve Gregson Australia’s Stellar Steeplechaser Clearing Barriers and wearing headbands while she competes for medals
The steeplechase is a crazy, wild ride of a track event that takes an extremely talented athlete to take on. The most popular format is the 3000-meter steeplechase that includes 28 barriers and seven water jumps. And let’s not forget a high-speed race around the track as well!
Genevieve Gregson is one of the athletes that specializes in this exciting event. And not only that, but she races it extremely well. Genevieve, who goes by Gen, holds the Australian national record for the 3000-meter steeplechase with a personal best of 9.14.28.
Gen is well known on the track for her speed, and off the track for her long, blonde hair. Oftentimes while racing she wears a stylish, quality headband to keep her hair pulled back so she can focus on the finish line.
While she grew up in Queensland, Gen is of French, Italian and Spanish descent. And she opted to attend the University of Floria for her university years where she competed in cross country and track. Gen finished fifth in the 2011 NCAA Division One Track and Field Championships in the steeplechase and then second place in 2012.
At the 2012 Olympics Games in London Gen represented Australia in the 3000-meter steeplechase as the only Australian female runner in the event. While she did not advance to the final, she took the opportunity to proudly represent her country and improve her personal best time.
After graduating from the University of Florida Gen made the decision to go pro as an elite runner. Initially, she thought of the sport as a hobby, but as her career in university excelled, she decided to take the plunge. In 2014 she moved back to Australia and settled in Melbourne. She now trains with the Melbourne Track Club under coach Nic Bideau. And as a fun fact, Gen is married to Ryan Gregson, another elite runner on the same team. The two of them make a true power couple!
2016 brought another Olympic year which Gen easily qualified for, though this time Australia sent three women to represent the country in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Gen advanced to the final and finished in ninth place with a personal best. Showcasing herself as an incredible athlete, Gen doubled up on events in Rio and finished 12th in the 1500-meter race.
Similar to most athletes, this stellar steeplechaser has struggled with some injuries, but her resilience and dedication have kept her in the sport. Over the past few years, Gen has had to work through injuries, train in the pool and strengthen her body to stay a top contender in the sport. As the next Olympic cycle approaches, there is no doubt she will be competing hard for a spot on the starting line.
When Gen races, she looks her best to run her best. This often entails fun hairstyles with unique headbands. When she’s out on the track, she’s easy to spot with her blond hair whipping behind her as she lays everything she has out there. Cannot wait to see what she achieves next!
