Olivia Markezich
American middle and long-distance runner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Olivia Markezich (born 10 August 2000) is an American middle and long-distance runner. She was the 2023 NCAA Steeplechase champion.[1]
 Markezich at the 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | August 10, 2000 |
| Sport | |
| Country | United States |
| Sport | Track and field |
Events | Middle-, long-distance running |
| College team | Notre Dame |
High school career
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 qualified for the Footlocker Nationals in her senior year, and placed 3rd in the 2000m steeplechase at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor.[2]
College career
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]
Markezich is the 2023 NCAA champion in the steeplechase, and a 10-time NCAA D1 All-American. She finished in the top three at seven NCAA championships. She was a dominant Atlantic Coast Conference performer, with five ACC championships, 14-time All-ACC performer and three-time ACC Women's Track Performer of the Year. She 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, Markezich 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. She signed with Swiss shoe company On.[8]
Professional career
In June 2024, Markezich signed a professional contract with Swiss shoe company On. She is based in Boulder, CO with the OAC Global team.[9]
Markezich was in 2nd place with only 150 meters remaining in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2024 United States Olympic trials before a tough fall on the final barrier. She got up and finished 6th, with a personal best of 9:14.87.[10]
Markezich 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
Information from World Athletics profile.[1]
Championship results
Personal Bests
| Surface | Event | Time | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor track | 1 mile | 4:27.76 | Notre Dame, IN | Feb 2, 2024 |
| 3000m | 8:37.37 | New York City | Feb 8, 2025 | |
| 5000m | 15:14.42 | Boston, MA | March 2, 2025 | |
| Outdoor track | 1500m | 4:07.43 | Zagreb, Croatia | September 8, 2024 |
| 1 mile | 4:24.07 | Boras, Sweden | August 21, 2024 | |
| 3000m | 8:42.95 | Rovereto, Italy | September 3, 2024 | |
| 5000m | 15:23.14 | Wake Forest University | May 11, 2024 | |
| Steeplechase | 9:14.67 | Stade Sébastien Charléty | July 7, 2024 |
Personal life
Markezich's father 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 her final year.[13][2]
