That debut is long overdue, says Shane, who lobbied national and international officials long and hard for its inclusion, only to see it take a backseat to the likes of the marathon, triple jump and women's hammer before officially being included.

"It took longer than it should have," he said.

And he wonders what might have been if the likes of Jackson, Mannova, Andersen and other local women steeplechasers had been given a chance.

"We had a number of women who, if they would have had it (included), would have gone on to the Olympics," he said.

That's not lost on Anderson, who is proud to take her spot at the front of the Summer Games' inaugural event.

"It will be great to be a part of that Olympic history," she said, "and say that I ran in the first women's steeplechase."

Beijing Olympics Steeplechase

Women's 3,000 meters

Round 1, Friday

Men's 3,000 meters

Round 1, Saturday

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E-mail: taylor@desnews.com