SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program has three Soldier-athletes headed to the Track and Field World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, this September.
"It is always amazing and satisfying for coaches and staff to witness Soldier-athletes' hard work and perseverance pay off within the WCAP program," said Col. Sean Ryan, WCAP track and field coach.
WCAP, part of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation G9 division of U.S. Army Installation Management Command, allows top-ranked Soldier-athletes to perform at the international level while also serving their nation in the military.
At the 2019 Track and Field Outdoor Championships, in Des Moines, Iowa, two Soldier-athletes earned their spot for the World Championships. Staff Sgt. Hillary Bor won gold in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase, and Sgt. Leonard Korir won the bronze medal in the men's 10,000-meter.
"It was a really hard race, to be honest. It was really hot, and I kept telling myself to push it," said Bor.
The hot race was a small homecoming for Bor who attended college at Iowa State University before joining the Army.
"When you are a crowd favorite coming in, it is a lot of pressure. In my mind I knew the fans wanted me to win, that gives you more adrenaline," said Bor. "I have run on this track a thousand times so it feels good to win in Des Moines."
Bor secured gold after coming in second place the past two years. He attributes the Army for the reason he continues to run.
"To win and represent the U.S. Army is everything to me," said Bor."It is an honor to run for the Army."
Korir, the 2016 Olympian, won third place in a rainy 10,000-meter race.
"The weather conditions during the championships replicated real world conditions our brave Soldiers face every day in battle," said Ryan. "The battle, or race in this case, does not stop due to pouring rain or extreme heat, and both Bor and Korir displayed the same resiliency taught in their military schooling."
"This is my third time making the World Championships team, and I am so happy for myself," said Korir. "We are excited and ready to represent the U.S. Army and America."
Second Lt. Elkanah Kibet is also headed to the World Championships to compete on the marathon team.
"The Soldier-athletes have shown their determination and 'never quit' attitude during multiple championship races, one of the many reasons they have represented the U.S. national teams and Army internationally," said Ryan.
The Soldier-athletes are now preparing for the World Championships and the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo.
Related Links:
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program's webpage
More pictures from the Track and Field Championships
Social Sharing