Bor To Represent Team USA At Rio Olympics

AMES, Iowa – Former Iowa State track and field athlete Hillary Bor earned his spot on Team USA in the men's 3000-meter steeplechase for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Friday night at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

"Coming in, I knew the race was going to be for the last 800m," Bor said. "Watching the women's steeplechase yesterday, I realized two ladies fell on the last two laps, so I wanted to be close to the leader, but make sure I have enough space that when I make a move, I'll be able to close. The last 200 meters I realized three of the guys in front of me were not moving that fast, I just tried to boost the last 200m."

With a second-place finish in a personal-best time of 8:24.10, Bor became the first Iowa State representative ever to make an Olympic team in the steeplechase. The ISU alum entered Friday night's final needing a top-three finish in order fulfill his Olympic dreams, and it would take an incredible finish to do just that.

The Eldoret, Kenya native ran a strategic race, bouncing between the fifth and sixth position throughout. When the bell rang at Hayward Field to signify the final lap, Bor was in fifth place, needing to make up over half a second to move into third.

He would do that and then some, as the former Cyclone posted the fastest final lap in the entire field (1:02.13) to blaze into second place before the final water jump. Bor would clear the obstacle with ease, and sprint his way to the finish and a spot in the 2016 Olympics, finishing second only to U.S. record-holder Evan Jager. Bor was the lone athlete in the 15-runner field to improve his split with each lap.

"I became a citizen in 2013," Bor said. "When I joined the military I stopped running, and then I started running for fun. Last year was when I thought I had a chance [to make the Olympics] and started my coaching program up to now. I can't believe I made the team."

Bor was a four-time All-American in the 3,000m steeplechase during his time in the Cardinal & Gold. The Eldoret, Kenya native finished runner-up in the steeplechase at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships with what was then a personal best run of 8:35.12, the third-fastest time in program history. During his tenure as a Cyclone, Bor also flourished in the classroom, twice being named a CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Iowa State University Athletics

Related Videos

Sponsors