Emma Coburn and Jenny Simpson are training partners. The pair of Colorado Buffaloes alumnae worked out together in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
On Monday, Coburn became the first U.S. woman to ever medal in the steeplechase. She earned bronze. Then on Tuesday, Simpson became the first U.S. woman to ever medal in her specialty: the 1,500 meters.
Simpson finished third, to earn the bronze medal with a time of 4:10.53. Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon of Kenya won gold (4:08.92), and Genzebe Didaba of Ethiopia took silver (4:10.27).
Simpson was in sixth place entering the fourth and final lap; she used a strong closing push to earn a place on the podium.
At CU, Simpson, 29, won four NCAA titles. Now she has an Olympic medal to go along with them.
