Fort Myers High grad Krissy Gear wins race, becomes national champion

Reporter: Zach Oliveri Writer: Rachel Murphy
Published: Updated:
Fort Myers High School graduate Krissy Gear celebrates with her father and sister after winning the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in Oregon. Courtesy photo

Fort Myers High School graduate Krissy Gear is now a national champion after winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase in Oregon.

“That feels very second-hand and natural to me. I’ve known since I started running for my kick. But the important thing this season has been to get strong enough to where I can execute it,” Gear said.

Gear raced past the 10-time U.S. champion Emma Coburn to take the lead.

“Part of me didn’t want to,” Gear admitted. “‘You can fangirl any other day. Today, you’re the competitor.'”

When Gear spotted her dad and sister in the stands afterward, “I probably would’ve cried if I hadn’t, like, cried out all my tears.”

Gear is now preparing for the world championships in Hungary in August.

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