Courtney Frerichs, one of the most accomplished distance runners in American history and a cornerstone of the University of New Mexico track and field legacy, has been selected for induction into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame. Renowned for her dominance in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Frerichs’ career is defined by resilience, consistency, and historic achievements on the sport’s biggest stages.
A native of Nixa, Missouri, Frerichs was a standout multi-sport athlete in her youth, excelling in soccer and gymnastics before turning her full attention to running. Her collegiate career began at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), where she quickly emerged as one of the program’s most accomplished athletes. At UMKC, Frerichs set multiple school records and became the first female athlete in program history to qualify for the NCAA Cross Country Championships, signaling her arrival as a national-level competitor.
Frerichs transferred to the University of New Mexico for her final year of collegiate eligibility, a move that proved transformative for both athlete and program. During the 2015 cross country season, she played a key role in leading the Lobos to the NCAA team national championship, one of the most celebrated moments in UNM athletics history. She followed that performance with a historic 2016 track season, capturing the NCAA championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in a record-setting time of 9:24.41, further cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
Turning professional after college, Frerichs signed with Nike and quickly became a fixture on the international stage. Her breakthrough moment came in 2017 at the World Championships in London, where she won the silver medal in the steeplechase. Alongside teammate Emma Coburn, Frerichs made history as part of the first American women’s gold-and-silver finish in any individual Olympic or World Championship race longer than 400 meters since the 1912 Stockholm Games.
Her ascent continued in 2018, when she set a new American and North American record in the steeplechase with a time of 9:00.85, ranking her among the fastest women in the event’s history. That momentum carried into the Tokyo Olympic Games, where Frerichs delivered one of the defining performances of her career, capturing the Olympic silver medal. Shortly thereafter, she broke new ground once again by becoming the first American woman to run under nine minutes in the steeplechase, clocking a stunning 8:57.77.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Frerichs has distinguished herself through academic excellence and service. A four-time Academic All-American, she continued her education while competing professionally and earned a Master of Science in Nutrition from Auburn University in 2024. She has remained deeply committed to giving back, mentoring young athletes through track clinics and supporting families through organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House.
Today, Courtney Frerichs stands as one of the most influential figures in American distance running. Her achievements have elevated the University of New Mexico’s national profile and inspired countless athletes, while her character and dedication off the track reflect the values honored by the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.