Olivia Markezich (born 10 August 2000) is an American middle and long-distance runner. She was the 2023 NCAA Steeplechase champion.[1]

Olivia Markezich
Personal information
NationalityAmerican
Born (2000-08-10) August 10, 2000 (age 23)
Sport
CountryUnited States
SportTrack and field
Event(s)Middle-, Long-distance running
College teamNotre Dame

High school career

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Markezich attended The Bear Creek School in Redmond, Washington. She was a 1A state champion in the 1600m as a junior and the 800m as a senior. She also qualified for Footlocker Nationals her senior year as well as placing 3rd in the 2000m steeplechase at New Balance Nationals Outdoor.[2]

College career

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In October 2018 Markezich signed her national letter of intent to run for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.[3] Initially she was on the team as a walk-on.[4]

Olivia is the 2023 NCAA champion in the Steeplechase and 10 time NCAA D1 All-American. Olivia finished in the top 3 at 7 NCAA Championships. Olivia was also a dominant Atlantic Coast Conference performer with 5 ACC Championships, 14 time All-ACC performer and 3 time ACC Women's Track Performer of the Year. Olivia was also named to eight All-ACC academic teams.[2]

On December 3, 2023, she ran the indoor 3000m in 8:40.42 breaking her own school record, and becoming the second fastest runner in NCAA history.[5][6]

On February 17, 2024 Olivia ran the fastest 1600M split in the DMR in NCAA and USA history with a 4:22.31. Notre Dame's DMR finishing time was 10:44.62. [7]

In August 2023, Markezich was one of the first NCAA Track athletes to sign an NIL deal. Olivia signed with Swiss shoe company On.[8]

Professional Career

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In June 2024, Markezich signed a professional contract with Swiss shoe company On. Olivia is based in Boulder, CO with the OAC Global team. [9]

Olivia was in 2nd place with only 150 Meters remaining in the 3000M Steeplechase at the 2024 United States Olympic trials (track and field) before a tough fall on the final barrier. Olivia got up and finished 6th with a personal best of 9:14.87. [10]

Oliva made her Diamond League debut on July 7, 2024 in Paris just 10 days after the US Olympic Trials. [11] where she finished 4th in a personal best of 9:14.67 [12]

Results and personal bests

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Information from World Athletics profile.[1]

Championship Results

Year Meet Venue Event Place Time
2019 USA Junior Outdoor Championships Ansin Sports Complex Steeplechase 5th 11:01.78
NCAA Cross Country Championships Lavern Gibson 6k 143rd 21:35
2021 NCAA Indoor Championships Randal Tyson Track Center 3000m 13th 9:21.74
NCAA Outdoor Championships Hayward Field Steeplechase 10th 9:48.73
US Olympic Trials H1 14th 10:00.45
NCAA Cross Country Championships Apalachee Regional Park 6k 11th 19:38.0
2022 NCAA Indoor Championships Birmingham CrossPlex DMR 8th 11:05.60
NCAA Outdoor Championships Hayward Field Steeplechase 9th 9:35.80
NCAA Cross Country Championships Stillwater, OK 6k 8th 19:46.4
2023 NCAA Indoor Championships Albuquerque Convention Center 3000m 2nd 9:13.01
DMR 3rd 10:59.46
NCAA Outdoor Championships Mike A. Myers Stadium Steeplechase 1st 9:25.03
US National Championships Hayward Field Steeplechase 4th 9:17.93
NCAA Cross Country Championships Charlottesville, Virginia 6k 3rd 19:10
2024 NCAA Indoor Championships The Track at New Balance 3000m 2nd 8:46.71
DMR 2nd 10:53.14
NCAA Outdoor Championships Hayward Field Steeplechase 2nd 9:17.36
US Olympic Trials 6th 9:14.87

Personal Bests

Surface Event Time Venue Date
Indoor Track Mile 4:27.76 Loftus Sports Center Feb 2, 2024
3000m 8:40.42 Boston University Dec 3, 2023
Outdoor Track 1500m 4:15.76 Drake Stadium April 23, 2021
5000m 15:23.14 Atlanta, GA May 11, 2024
Steeplechase 9:14.67 Stade Sébastien Charléty July 7, 2024

Personal life

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Markezich's farther Ron also ran at Notre Dame and was the school record holder in the 10,000m as part of the class of 1989.[4] Markezich has three siblings, including a twin sister named Andrea who ran at the University of Washington before transferring to Notre Dame for final year.[13][2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Olivia Markezich Profile". World Athletics. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "OLIVIA MARKEZICH". Fighting Irish Athletics. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  3. ^ Pohlman, Chad. "Olivia and Andrea Markezich Sign National Letters of Intent". tbcs.org. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Brice, John (December 17, 2023). "From Walk-On to National Champion: Inside Olivia Markezich's Irish Journey". FightinIrish.com. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  5. ^ "Olivia Markezich Dominates 3000m Run in Boston". FightingIrish.com. December 3, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  6. ^ "Notre Dame's Olivia Markezich On Her Breakout 2023". Citius Mag. December 12, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  7. ^ "ACC Announces Final Indoor Track & Field Weekly Awards". February 20, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  8. ^ Chavez, Chris (August 3, 2023). "NCAA Steeplechase Champion Olivia Markezich Signs NIL Deal With On". Citius Mag. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  9. ^ > "From NCAA to On Athletics Club". On Pressroom. June 21, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Woods, David (June 28, 2024). "Notre Dame's Olivia Markezich falls in steeplechase: 'It was right there... I'll be back.'". IndyStar. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  11. ^ Hof-Mahoney, Paul (July 5, 2024). "2024 Paris Diamond League Preview: Top Events and What to Watch For". Citius Mag. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  12. ^ "2024 Paris Diamond League Preview: Top Events and What to Watch For" (PDF). Wanda Diamond League. July 7, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  13. ^ Crow, Matthew (August 31, 2023). "Irish cross country looks to turn experience into success". The Observer. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
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