Frosh Rylee Bowen breaks California state record in her steeple debut

Only a freshmen at Sonoma Academy in California, Rylee Bowen had never run the steeplechase and only practiced the event leading in the World Youth Trials. However, given her running credentials without the steeplechase barriers including a 4:43 1600 meter time this spring as well as California state cross country title in the fall, one could expect a good performance. But a US #1 6:41.26 state record and World Youth Trials victory? That's quite a splashing debut for the steeplechase.

Her top competitor in the race was another steeple newbie, but accomplished runner with speedy PR's as well in Madie Boreman from Leander Rouse High School in Texas. The rising senior and sub 4:50 miler Boreman ran with Bowen for the first three laps as they were clicking of 79-80 second splits before Bowen took off for the final two laps to win by 22 seconds. Boreman's runner-up time of 7:03.75 meets the IAAF World Youth qualifying standard in the event, so Bowen should have another American steepler joining her in Colombia.

The steeplechase is rarely contested in California, but Bowen's race in Chicago this weekend may make her to consider traveling more often out of state to find the event. She could be an all-time great in the event after opening with a national leading performance.

With more competition at World Youths, Bowen should have an opportunity to drop her time into the 6:30's and maybe venture into sub 6:30 territory against the Kenyans and Ethiopians. The U.S. high school national 2K steeplechase record is 6:29.20, which Bowen has 3 more years of high school to chase, but she may not wait long.

Top 5 moments from day one of the 2015 World Youth Trials:

#5. Lyles brothers still not willing to share first place, Josephus prime for double win

#4. Candace Hill's cruise control is still faster than the rest

#3. Sophomore 800 studs McGorty & Cooper battle in 800 prelims

#2. Damion Thomas comes up limping in hurdles prelims, no World Youths for gold medal favorite

#1. Frosh Rylee Bowen breaks California state record in her steeplechase debut