Genevieve LaCaze qualifies for the 3000m steeplechase final in Rio

IN an Australian first two athletes have qualified for the women’s 3000m steeplechase in Rio — including our own Genevieve LaCaze.

(L-R) Kenya's Hyvin Kiyeng Jepkemoi, USA's Courtney Frerichs, and Australia's Genevieve LaCaze compete in the Women's 3000m Steeplechase Round 1 during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 13, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Fabrice COFFRINI

For the first time ever, Australian athletes will line up in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final at the Olympic Games, with Genevieve LaCaze and Madeline Hills both qualifying overnight.

LaCaze, who has been in fine form leading up to Rio, qualified 11th fastest. Australian teammate Hills qualified 9th fastest.

LaCaze, a former John Paul College student, came second in heat three with a time of 9:26.25.

Hills was fifth in heat two with a time of 9:24.16.

The fastest qualifier was Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet with a time of 9:12.62.

The final is on Tuesday, August 16, at 12.15am.

LaCaze, who placed 22nd in the event in London in 2012, will then have to back up for the 5000m steeplechase on the same day at 10.30pm.

The 27-year-old, coached by Nic Bideau, started her athletics career at the University of Florida in America in 2008 on a scholarship, where she studied a Bachelor of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology.

LaCaze, formally of Fairfield, became an internet sensation at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where she finished fifth, when she jumped on stage with Kylie Minogue at the closing ceremony.