Women compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
The steeplechase, the Frankenstein's monster of the track and field world, combines speed, precision and timing.
How it works: The course spans 3000 meters, and includes 28 fixed barriers measuring roughly 3 feet for men and 2.5 feet for women, as well as seven water jumps.
It's modeled after steeplechase races for horses.
Fun fact: The women's competition didn't become an official Olympic sport until 2008.
Simpson, who was still a student at the University of Colorado Boulder the year she qualified for the Beijing Games, was among that year's participants.
What's next: Constien is set to participate in the women's steeplechase competition starting today.
