Oklahoma State University Athletics
Former Cowboy Craig Nowak Runs Olympic Standard at Rick Erdmann Twilight
April 19, 2021 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
STILLWATER, Okla. – Aside from a number of notable performances from the active Oklahoma State track and field roster over the weekend, former OSU distance superstar Craig Nowak raced the Olympic standard in the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase at the EKU Rick Erdmann Twilight.
Nowak, who competed at OSU from 2012-2016 and assisted the program's operation as a volunteer coach during the 2020 season, has returned to the track during the 2021 season as an unattached professional racer. Nowak has quickly returned to the winning ways he established in America's Brightest Orange, most recently in Olympic-caliber fashion.
He clocked in at 8:21.49 in the 3K steeplechase, a half-second under the 8:22.00 2020 Olympic standard. Nowak crushed his previous personal best of 8:35.14 and now ranks first-fastest in the United States and second-fastest in the world in the event.
"We are thrilled for Craig and his development as a world-class distance runner," Director of OSU Cross Country and Track & Field Davis Smith said. "Running the Olympic standard is a huge step toward making the Olympic team. It is a lot of fun to watch our former student-athletes continue to chase their dreams and brings a lot of excitement and confidence for the student-athletes currently in our program."
As the lone athlete to have met the Olympic standard in the 3K steeplechase in 2021, Nowak has certainly strengthened his bid for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. As he continues to compete among the best in the sport, Nowak – along with the rest of the United States' elite track and field competitors – will have until June 29 to meet or improve upon their Olympic standard times and marks.
Nowak, who competed at OSU from 2012-2016 and assisted the program's operation as a volunteer coach during the 2020 season, has returned to the track during the 2021 season as an unattached professional racer. Nowak has quickly returned to the winning ways he established in America's Brightest Orange, most recently in Olympic-caliber fashion.
He clocked in at 8:21.49 in the 3K steeplechase, a half-second under the 8:22.00 2020 Olympic standard. Nowak crushed his previous personal best of 8:35.14 and now ranks first-fastest in the United States and second-fastest in the world in the event.
"We are thrilled for Craig and his development as a world-class distance runner," Director of OSU Cross Country and Track & Field Davis Smith said. "Running the Olympic standard is a huge step toward making the Olympic team. It is a lot of fun to watch our former student-athletes continue to chase their dreams and brings a lot of excitement and confidence for the student-athletes currently in our program."
As the lone athlete to have met the Olympic standard in the 3K steeplechase in 2021, Nowak has certainly strengthened his bid for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. As he continues to compete among the best in the sport, Nowak – along with the rest of the United States' elite track and field competitors – will have until June 29 to meet or improve upon their Olympic standard times and marks.
Friday, June 05
Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
Monday, May 18
