PARIS—BYU junior and steeplechase runner James Corrigan has had his sights set on competing in the Olympics.
He just didn’t realize how quickly that goal would become a reality.
”I don’t have words for it,” he said. “I didn’t prepare for it emotionally, so being able to compete in the Olympics is still setting in.”
Corrigan’s initial goal was to prepare for and compete in the the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Competing in Paris wasn’t even on his radar. However, after qualifying in the Olympic trials earlier this year, he got to make his Olympic debut repping Team USA in the 3,000-Meter Steeplechase this week in Paris.
“[It has been incredible. Everything is just so hectic and fun. There is a lot going on. I just think with so many amazing athletes you’re just bound to run into some pretty successful people and your expectations of greatness were definitely heightened,” Corrigan said.
After the opening ceremonies, Corrigan went with Coach Ed Eyestone and other BYU runners to Switzerland for a week to train.
“[Paris] was very hectic and hard to navigate with the busy cityscape. So going to Switzerland was nice because it led us have wide open trails,” Corrigan said.
Running in the Olympics
For Corrigan, running an Olympic race is at a whole different level compared to regular collegiate competitions.
“I was nervous, but I went in with the mindset that I was gonna qualify and I did the best I could,” Corrigan said.
Corrigan said when he ran in the qualifying round on Aug. 5, the atmosphere of the race was much different and much louder than he anticipated.
“My strategy was to go at it calm knowing it might need to be a tactful race, and my strategy was to key off the other guys in the pack,” Corrigan said. “It didn’t unfold exactly how I wanted to, but that was the plan.”
Corrigan’s coach, Ryan Waite, was proud of Corrigan’s discipline and determination for his first Olympic race.
“When James was finishing his race I just thought that it’s unbelievable that he’s even here. It wasn’t the race he was hoping to have but it was a season that was greater than anything we had imagined back in the fall,” Waite said.
Despite his disappointment that he failed qualify for the finals, Corrigan said it was still a memorable experience.
“I think one memory will take away from this was being able to just converse with some of the guys in the bullpen after the race. A lot of them were super nice, they were all very supportive, and they were just excited for me to be there,” Corrigan said. “El Bakkali pulled me aside, the reigning Olympic champion and world champion, and he gave me some words of encouragement.”
Looking Ahead
Corrigan is pleased with his career so far and he is already preparing for his next Olympic run.
“I was setting goals last night. I now feel I can be very competitive in the next Olympic cycle. I have gone to the literal top of my sport,” Corrigan said. “I understand what I am going to be doing in four years because I got the nerves and the newness out of the way, and I can really focus on competing.”
