Long distance demands - and then some The steeplechase takes its quaint name -- and much of its form -- from the English horse race of the same name. But for most of the past four decades, competitors in the event have spent most of the their time chasing the Kenyans, who have simply dominated the event. Essentially a track simulation of a cross-country race, replete with hurdles and a water jump, the steeplechase takes the stringent demands of the middle and long distance events and adds to them the technical requirements (not to mention physical challenges) of the hurdles.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Men's "The only hope I see for a non-Kenyan to win a medal would be one of the Moroccans, either Ali Ezzine or Brahim Boulami, but who's going to win is completely up for grabs. Barmasai holds the world record, but he's been having trouble keep the pace. Raymond Yator is very young and in excellent form. Wilson Boit Kipketer is probably the best of the bunch, at least this year." Women's "I'd be inclined toward the Russian women. They seem to be really reviving in the middle distance and distance events and in the steeplechase." -- Geoff Gowan MEN Athlete Time Venue - Year World Bernard Barmasai (KEN) 7:55.72 Cologne - 1997 Canadian Graeme Fell 8:12.58 Koblenz - 1995 Year's Best Wilson Boit Kipketer (KEN) 8:01.73 Monaco - July 20 WOMEN Athlete Time Venue - Year World Justyna Bak (POL) 9:25.31 Nice - 2001 Canadian Karen Harvey 10:14.86 Sarnia - 1999 Year's Best Justyna Bak (POL) 9:25.31 Nice - July 9

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Wed., Aug. 8 11:30pm - 12:30am ET Men's FINAL

Joel Bourgeois (CAN)

All the things that go into distance running -- pace judgement, efficient, economical movements, tactics, ability to run in a pack and a strong finishing kick -- apply to the steeplechase, with the added burden of having to clear hurdles and negotiate a water jump. more