Emma Coburn, the American record holder for the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, shows no fear in the 2016 ESPN Body Issue, posing without clothes on in her hometown of Crested Butte, Colorado.
The Olympian and four-time U.S. national steeplechase champion had the best time in the preliminary heats on Monday, in 9:35.28, and will compete Thursday in the final for a chance to make her second Olympic team.
“The Body Issue is tasteful, beautiful, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an athlete to be a part of,” Coburn told ESPN. “I’m humbled to be included.”
ESPN.com has all the featured athletes from the Body Issue, including the first known transgender athlete to represent a U.S. men’s team in international competition, Chris Mosier, and paratriathlete Allysa Seely. There's also an extended interview with Coburn on ESPNW.
Coburn, 25, also appeared on the July cover of Runner’s World, and along with fellow steepler Evan Jager, is the subject of a piece about the craziness that is the steeplechase, by Nick Weldon.
Coburn competes in the steeplechase final on Thursday starting at 10:48 p.m. Eastern.
Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner's World, the author of The Runner's World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a seven-time marathoner with a best of 3:31—but she is most proud of her 1:32 half, 19:40 5K, and 5:33 mile.
