Recordpub.com - Franek achieves another first

By Colin Harris

Record-Courier staff writer

From a comparatively humble beginning at Jack Lambert Stadium, Crestwood alumna — and current Penn State standout — Bridget Franek has been able to compete in some of the biggest events in the United States.

Now, following a third-place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the USA Track and Field Championship in Eugene, Ore., Franek has earned a chance to take her talents to a whole new level.

Franek’s performance earned her a spot at the 2009 IAAF World Track and Field Championships, which are to be held in Berlin, Germany, in mid-August.

Of the six Penn State athletes who competed at the championships, only the former Red Devil qualified for a spot in the world championships.

“I was happy with how things turned out at the event,” said Franek. “I went into the event hoping to just set a personal record, but after my performance in the prelims, I started to really gain confidence.”

Franek finished the race with a time of 9:36.74 — breaking her own Penn State record of 9:43.57, as well as the IAAF “A” standard of 9:40.00, which would have guaranteed her a spot in the world championships.

She finished behind champion Jenny Barringer (9:29.38) of the University of Colorado and Anna Willard (9:35.01).

The Penn State junior said that during the lead-up to the competition, she could feel the tide of momentum shifting in her favor.

“I thought that I was capable of making the team (as she prepared for the event),” she said. “Some things happened leading up to the event with other racers, and I felt like things were going my way. I didn’t want (making the team) to be a pressure cooker for me, but I really felt good.”

Already the holder of three Penn State records, Franek will also become the first competitor in any event to represent her college on the international level.

Set for Aug. 15 through Aug. 23, the IAAF World Track and Field Championships will see Franek and over 1,500 competitors from nearly 50 countries take to the lanes of Berlin’s Olympiastadion. Better known as Olympic Stadium, the legendary venue has been home to events such as the 1936 Olympic Games and the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals.

Franek said the significance of everything her spot in the world championships represents hasn’t totally sunk in yet.

“I still look at myself as a rookie in this sport, as well as a collegiate who is really focusing on my team and college titles,” she said. “Being able to compete on this stage with runners I grew up idolizing is really exciting.”

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Colin Harris can be reached at charris@recordpub.com