TOP STORY Don’t Forget About Emma Coburn May 20, 2026 by John Davern |
| Two years have passed, and somehow the world has forgotten who Emma Coburn is. Allow me to remind you. Coburn is one of the best steeplers in American history, with ten national titles and three global medals on her résumé. And she’s not done yet. This weekend, Coburn will race the 3,000m steeplechase at Sound Running’s Track Fest, her first steeplechase since April 2024. Her last steeplechase came on a fateful day at the April 2024 Shanghai Diamond League meeting. On that day, Coburn broke her ankle in the water pit, dashing her hopes of making the 2024 Olympic Team. Since then, Coburn has only raced three times, but she hasn’t exactly gone dark on us. Coburn’s active social presence has kept fans and analysts alike in the know. For one, Coburn and her husband, Joe Bosshard, welcomed a daughter into their lives. She has also spent a solid training block alongside Parker Valby and Gabbi Jennings. Valby is worth mentioning because she, too, has dealt with her fair share of injury recovery in the last 18 months. We can’t expect vintage Coburn right out of the starting blocks, but this is a valuable first chance to see her back over barriers in a competitive setting. If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that the comeback is alive and well. Donavan Brazier made his return in 2025 after a three-year hiatus. His return ended with a U.S. title. Justyn Knight also made his return after three missed seasons; he managed a silver in the 5K at the Canadian Championships. So two years out of an event doesn’t feel like too much of a stretch for Coburn, who, unlike those two, has raced a little in her “gap” years. Who Else To Watch This Weekend Of course, Coburn isn’t the only athlete we’re watching this weekend. Parker Valby is set to make her season debut in the 5K. Cooper Lutkenhaus is making his pro debut in the 1500m. Graham Blanks is attempting the 1500m and 800m double. Josh Kerr is running the 800m against Donavan Brazier, Hobbs Kessler and Bryce Hoppel. Collegiate standout Habtom Samuel is in the 5K. |