Posted: July 12, 2005

Athletics: Ex-Razorback Lincoln Runs Personal Best Steeplechase in Rome

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Former Razorback Daniel Lincoln came close to breaking the American record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase when he recorded a personal best time of 8:12.65 at the IAAF’s Golden Gala meet in Rome, Italy on July 8. The Fayetteville, Ark., native’s performance was also the fastest time by an American in 10 years.

“Daniel is ready to break that record,” Arkansas head coach John McDonnell said. “He was on pace with one lap to go, but had some trouble on the second-to-last steeple and wasn’t able to get his stride back. It was a great performance for him and the fastest by an American in a long time.”

In 1995 Mark Croghan registered a time of 8:10.43 in Nice, France and that performance stands as the third-fastest steeplechase on the all-time U.S. rankings, while the American record of 8:09.17 was established by Henry Marsh in 1985.

Lincoln has now moved into the eighth all-time position with his impressive 8:12.65 clocking. His previous top time was an 8:15.02 that he ran in Sacramento, Calif., when he won the 2004 United States Olympic Trials. Lincoln will now have his sights on a faster time as he prepares for the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland on Aug. 6-14.

The four-time NCAA champion will compete in a 3,000-meter race on July 17 in Italy, a 1,500-meter race in Belgium on July 20 and one final steeplechase on July 26 in Stockholm, Sweden before moving on to Finland.