Emma Coburn: Biography, Childhood, Career, Achievements, Net Worth, Height, Weight, Boyfriend, and Inspiring Story
Born on October 19, 1990, in Boulder, Colorado, Emma Coburn has etched her name into the annals of athletic history as an American middle-distance runner of exceptional caliber. Renowned for her remarkable achievements in track and field, including a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Emma Coburn’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment, extraordinary talent, and resilience in the face of adversity. In this article, we delve into the life, career, and remarkable accomplishments of this extraordinary athlete.
Fast Facts about Emma Coburn
| CATEGORY | INFORMATION | |
| Full Name | Emma Jane Coburn | |
| Nick Name | Emma Coburn | |
| Profession(s) | 🏃♀️ Athlete, middle-distance runner, steeplechaser | |
| Famous for | Winning a Bronze 🥉 medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro | |
| PERSONAL DETAILS | ||
| Date & Place of Birth | October 19, 1990, in Boulder, Colorado, US | |
| Age (as of 2023) | 32 years old | |
| Zodiac sign | ♎ Libra | |
| Gender | Female | |
| Ethnicity | White Caucasian | |
| Sexuality (Gay or Lesbian) | Straight | |
| Nationality | American | |
| Religion | Christianity | |
| Parents | Anne and Bill Coburn | |
| Siblings | Three | |
| Brother(s) | Joe Coburn and Willy Coburn | |
| Sister | Gracie Coburn | |
| Marital Status | Married | |
| Spouse | Joe Hosshard | |
| Children | None | |
| Hometown | Crested Butte, CO | |
| EDUCATION | ||
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor’s degree | |
| School | Crested Butte Community High School | |
| College/University | University of Colorado Boulder | |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | ||
| Emma Coburn | 63.2K 🐦Followers | |
| Emma Coburn | 515K 📸 Followers | |
| CAREER | ||
| Professions | 🏃♀️ Track and Field Athlete | |
| Years Active | 2013 – Present | |
| Coach(es) | Joe Bosshard | |
| Club/Employer | Sponsor: New Balance | |
| Agent | NA | |
| Sports | Track and field | |
| Event | Steeplechase, 3000 meters, 1500 meters | |
| Turned Pro | 2013 | |
| Ranking as of 20.09.2023 | World Women’s 3000mSC: 🌍 23
World Women’s Overall Ranking: 🌍 409 |
|
| Honours Summary | 1 🥇 x World champion
1 🥈 x World Championships Silver Medalist 1 💎 x Diamond League Meeting Winner 1 🥉 x Olympic Games Bronze medallist |
|
| Personal Bests | Track:
🏃♀️ 800m: 2:01.10 (Los Angeles 2020) 🏃♀️ 1500m: 4:03.82 (Nashville 2020) 🏃♀️ Mile: 4:23.65 (Marion 2020) 🏃♀️ 3000m: 8:48.60 (Birmingham 2017) 🏃♀️ 5000m: 15:24.76 (Austin 2021) 🏃♀️ 2000m s’chase: 6:44.42 (Greensboro 2008) 🏃♀️ 3000m s’chase: 9:02.35 (Doha 2019) Indoors: 🏃♀️ 1000m: 2:52.43 (College Station 2009) 🏃♀️ 1500m: 4:12.31 (New York 2013) 🏃♀️ Mile: 4:29.86 i (New York 2013) 🏃♀️ 2000m: 5:41.11 (Boston 2015) 🏃♀️ 3000m: 8:39.19 i + (Staten Island 2021) 🏃♀️ 2-Mile: 9:15.71 a (Staten Island 2021) Road: 🏃♀️ Mile: 4:20.3 a (New York 2018) |
|
| NET WORTH | $4 million | |
| PHYSICAL APPEARANCE 📏 | ||
| Height (approx.) | 📏5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | |
| Weight (approx.) 2023 | ⚖️125 lbs (57 kg) | |
| Hair Colour | 💇♀️ Blonde | |
| Eye Colour | 👁️Blue | |
| Body Type | 💪 Athletic | |
| Shoe Size | 7.5 (U.S.) | |
Emma Coburn: From Crested Butte to University of Colorado Boulder
Emma Coburn comes from Crested Butte, Colorado, where she grew up loving the outdoors. Her family shares this love too, and they enjoy exciting activities like climbing tall mountains, biking, and skiing together. This bond became even stronger when Emma’s mom bravely fought cancer.
Emma started her sports journey at Crested Butte Community School, where she did a bit of everything – running, volleyball, basketball, and more. In high school, she continued to excel in sports like basketball, volleyball, and running.
After high school, she went to the University of Colorado Boulder, where she studied journalism and political science while pursuing her passion for track and field.
Athletic Career Highlights
Emma Coburn’s journey in the world of athletics is nothing short of inspirational, marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable career of this accomplished athlete.
2013: Transition to the Pros
In 2013, Coburn made the bold decision to turn professional after completing her collegiate career. She signed a significant contract with New Balance, heralding a new chapter in her running journey. However, her transition to the professional ranks was met with adversity. Shortly after embarking on her professional career, Coburn suffered a sacral stress fracture. This injury forced her to miss the 2013 Moscow World Championships and sit out the entire professional track season, casting a shadow over her promising start.
2014: Triumph Over Adversity
Coburn’s determination and resilience shone through in 2014. Not only did she recover from her injury, but she also made significant strides in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Her hard work paid off when, on May 18, she secured her first-ever Diamond League victory in Shanghai with a time of 9:19.81. Just two weeks later, she further improved her personal best, finishing third at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene with a time of 9:17.84.
Coburn’s impressive run continued as she clinched her third US title in Sacramento, clocking in at 9:19.72. Her remarkable performance placed her second on the US all-time list behind Jenny Simpson. The pinnacle of her year came when she broke Simpson’s American record, crossing the finish line in 9:11.42 and securing a second-place finish at the Glasgow Diamond League, ahead of Ethiopian Hiwot Ayalew. Coburn’s journey was nothing short of astonishing as she cemented her position among the world’s best steeplechase runners.
2015: Versatility on Display
In 2015, Coburn showcased her versatility, ranking 28th in the world in the indoor mile. Her Olympic qualifying time of 4:05.1 in the 1500 meters at the Prefontaine meet in Eugene, Oregon, was another feather in her cap. She went on to win the steeplechase at the USATF Championships, earning her a spot at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics, where she gave a commendable performance, finishing fifth.
2016: Olympic Glory
Emma Coburn’s career continued to soar in 2016 as she embarked on the outdoor season. She started by running 4:06.92 in the 1500 meters at the Hoka One One Middle Distance Classic held at Occidental College. However, her defining moment came at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, where she set a new American record in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:10.76. Her exceptional performance led her to Olympic glory, securing a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympic steeplechase event. Emma Coburn achieved something historic by becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in the 3000-meter steeplechase.
2017: World Champion
The year 2017 saw Coburn continue her remarkable journey. In January, she, along with Sydney McLaughlin, Brenda Martinez, and Jenny Simpson, set a world-best time of 10:40.31 in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) at the 2017 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston. While the DMR was not officially recognized as a world record due to its indoor, banked track setting, it was celebrated as an outstanding achievement within the US track community. Coburn’s star continued to rise as she opened her outdoor season at the Doha Diamond League in May, racing the steeplechase in 9:14 and securing fifth place.
2017: Gold at World Championships
Her crowning moment arrived on August 11 in London when Emma Coburn won gold at the 2017 World Championships, etching her name in history as the first American woman to claim a gold medal in the steeplechase at either the World Championships or the Olympics. She was joined by teammate Courtney Frerichs, who won a silver medal, marking the first time since the 1912 Stockholm Games that American women won gold and silver in any individual World Championships or Olympics race longer than 400 meters. Coburn’s incredible accomplishments were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award by USATF, honoring her as the top female athlete of the year.
2018: Records and Consistency
Coburn continued to set records in 2018. She began her indoor season at Western State Colorado University, where she ran a Colorado state record mile, subsequently broken by Dani Jones. Her performance at the Millrose Games saw her finish as a runner-up with a time of 8:41.16 in the 3000 meters. At the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Coburn secured fourth place with a time of 8:43.57 in the 3000 meters. Her consistent presence in top-level competitions established her as a force to be reckoned with.
2019: Adding to the Legacy
The year 2019 brought more accolades for Coburn. In June, she ran 9:04.90 to place second in the steeplechase event at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic, held in Stanford, California. At the USATF Championships in July, Coburn displayed her dominance by running 9:25.63 to secure first place. Her status as the defending World Champion from 2017 earned her an automatic qualification for the 2019 World Championships. At the Worlds, Coburn won the silver medal with a personal record of 9:02.35, while teammate Courtney Frerichs finished sixth.
2020: Continuing Excellence
Emma Coburn began her 2020 season with a strong performance at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, finishing third in the two-mile race with a time of 9:32.81. She also participated in a 3000-meter split-time event, posting an impressive time of 8:56.60. Additionally, she took on the challenge of the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley half marathon in March, finishing fourth with a time of 1:25:37.
2021: Olympic Journey
In June 2021, Coburn secured her spot in her third Olympic Games by winning the 3000 meters steeplechase at the US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, with a winning time of 9:09:41. At the Tokyo Olympics, Coburn reached the final but faced adversity as she clipped a barrier on the bell lap, resulting in a tumble off the track. Unfortunately, she was later disqualified for touching the track’s delimiting railing when she fell.
2022: Overcoming Challenges
Despite facing challenges, Coburn’s dedication remained unwavering. She competed in the steeplechase at the USATF Championships in June, winning and capturing her 10th national title. During a post-race interview, she emotionally reflected on the significance of this title, as it helped compensate for a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics. She was also motivated by the uncertainty of how many more races she would be able to enjoy with her mother, who had been battling cancer.
2023: New Milestones
In 2023, Emma Coburn continues to add to her legacy. On February 4, she opened her season at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, where she finished seventh in the women’s mile with a personal best time of 4:28.84, surpassing her previous best set during her collegiate career in 2013. She also achieved an indoor personal best in the 1500 meters with a split time of 4:10.39.
Following this, Coburn represented Team USA in the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia, on February 18. She played a crucial role in the mixed relay, helping Team USA improve from tenth to fifth position with her leg time of 6:13. While Team Kenya claimed victory, Coburn’s versatility and dedication were evident.
On February 23, still in Australia, Coburn competed in the 1500 meters at the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne, where she finished fifth with a time of 4:10.96.
Emma Coburn competed at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in 2023 despite a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, she did not advance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase due to her injury
Emma Coburn’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment, remarkable talent, and ability to overcome challenges. Her legacy in American track and field is firmly established, and she continues to inspire athletes and fans alike with her outstanding performances and determination to reach new heights.
Awards and Achievements
Emma Coburn stands as an accomplished middle-distance runner, boasting a remarkable array of awards and honors that underscore her exceptional talent and dedication. Here’s a glimpse of her notable achievements:
🌍 World Champion (1x)
🥈 World Championships Silver Medalist (1x)
🥉 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist (1x)
🏆 World (Continental) Cup Winner (1x)
💎 Diamond League Meeting Winner (1x)
🎓 NCAA Indoor Champion (1x)
🎓🎓 NCAA Champion (2x)
🇺🇸 National Champion (10x)
🏆 Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award Recipient (USATF Female Athlete of the Year)
🏛️ CU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2023)
Hobbies:
Beyond the track, Emma Coburn’s life is filled with a mix of hobbies and passions. She’s an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying mountain climbing, biking, skiing, and summer adventures like rafting and climbing. Weightlifting is also part of her routine, with a special fondness for tools like TRX and BOSU ball. Family time is precious to her, particularly with her mother, who’s battling cancer. Emma also gives back to her community, organizing the annual Emma Coburn Elk Run 5k charity event with her husband, Joe Bosshard, to support Living Journeys in Crested Butte, Colorado. These interests paint a fuller picture of the remarkable woman beyond her athletic achievements.
Emma Coburn’s Sponsorships:
Emma Coburn has had sponsorships from various companies and organizations throughout her career. She has been sponsored by Nuun, a hydration company, and in 2019, she became a spokeswoman for Nuuness, representing the female aspect of the Nuun brand. Additionally, Coburn is a sponsored athlete for New Balance, where she trains alongside teammates Dani Jones and Cory McGee, who also have deals with New Balance.
Furthermore, she has had a previous sponsorship with Nike, and in 2016, after her Olympic bronze medal win, she creatively expressed her gratitude to Nike while adhering to USA Track and Field rules. Bluebird Real Estate Brokerage was a lead sponsor for the Emma Coburn Elk Run 5k, a charitable event supporting Living Journeys in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Emma Coburn’s Varied Net Worth Estimates
Emma Coburn’s net worth as of 2023 has been reported differently across various sources, with estimates ranging from $100,000 to $5 million. However, the majority of these sources tend to converge around an approximate net worth of $1-2 million. This wealth has been accumulated through Coburn’s accomplished career as an athlete, excelling in middle-distance running and steeplechase events.
Emma Coburn: Athlete and Coach Joe Bosshard’s Love Story
Emma Coburn’s romantic journey with her husband, Joe Bosshard, began in their hometown of Crested Butte, Colorado, where they had known each other since childhood. Their friendship eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship, leading to their engagement and subsequent wedding in Hawaii in 2017.
Joe Bosshard, in addition to being Emma’s loving husband, is a former runner and currently coaches Emma and other athletes in Boulder, Colorado. Their shared passion for running has been a driving force in their relationship, even leading them to embark on a “runnymoon” after their wedding.
Their story highlights the power of shared interests and how love can thrive when rooted in mutual passions.
Emma Coburn: Racing with Courage and Love
Emma Coburn’s mom, Annie Coburn, got very sick with stage IV colon cancer in December 2019. Even though her mom was sick, Emma kept on racing in different races and championships while also helping her family. Her mom had to go through lots of chemo, and eight big surgeries, and had some tough side effects from her treatment.
During this hard time, Emma’s mom kept inspiring her and giving her strength. When Emma won the Olympic Trials in June 2021 and got her third chance to be in the Olympics, she said it was really important to share this moment with her mom.
Sadly, Annie Coburn passed away on January 7, 2023, after fighting cancer for three years. Just six weeks after her mom’s passing, Emma found out she was chosen to represent the USA in a mixed relay race at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Australia. She decided to do it to honor her mom’s last wish.
Through her mom’s sickness and after her mom passed away, Emma showed she’s strong and understands what’s truly important in life. She said in an interview that running is just a sport and not the most important thing. It’s a privilege to do it at a high level, but there are more important things in life.
Emma Coburn’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment, remarkable talent, and ability to overcome challenges. Her legacy in American track and field is firmly established, and she continues to inspire athletes and fans alike with her outstanding performances and determination to reach new heights. Beyond her athletic achievements, Emma’s dedication to her family and her community paints a fuller picture of the remarkable woman she is.
