Former UF runner Genevieve LaCaze Gregson, center, at the Rio Summer Games in 2016. She is a member of the Australian Olympic Team. (Photo: James Lang/USA TODAY Sports)
Gators In Olympic Games: Genevieve LaCaze Gregson
Friday, July 2, 2021 | Track and Field, Women's Track and Field, Scott Carter, Olympics
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — She remains a public figure in her native Australia, half of the country's most famous running couple.
When she first stepped foot on the University of Florida campus more than a decade ago, she was known as Genevieve LaCaze, a fresh-faced international student eager to meet the future. Today, she is referred to mostly as Genevieve Gregson after marrying Ryan Gregson in 2018.
Like his wife, Ryan is a distance runner and two-time Olympian, becoming the first Australian man in 40 years to make the Olympic final in the 1,500 meters when he accomplished the feat at the Rio Games in 2016. Genevieve and Ryan began hanging out at the 2012 London Games -- the first Olympics for each -- and became a couple not long afterward.
In the years since, they have lived, trained and ran together all across the globe. However, while Ryan has not qualified for the Tokyo Games, 31-year-old Genevieve has earned her third Olympic berth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. The couple's unique lifestyle is built around running and has helped both fulfill their potential as athletes.
"My husband has been a constant in my running career that many don't have the privilege of having," Genevieve told the Gold Coast (Australian) Bulletin recently. "He has helped me focus on the job at hand and not get caught up in the things I can't control."
Genevieve made the final in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in Rio, finishing ninth overall. She has hopes of finishing in the top five in Tokyo.
Regardless, she knows her No. 1 fan will be nearby.
Genevieve LaCaze Gregson was named SEC Co-Runner of the Year in 2012 while at Florida. (File photo/UAA Communications)
AT A GLANCE Genevieve LaCaze Gregson is preparing for her third Olympic Games. SPORT: Track & Field
EVENT: 3,000-meter steeplechase
HOW SHE QUALIFIED: She guaranteed her spot on the team by winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Australia Track & Field Championships in late April in Sydney
TOKYO SCHEDULE: Opening round of women's 3,000-meter steeplechase is Aug. 1; Olympic Final is scheduled Aug. 4
UF CAREER: She came to UF from Queensland, Australia, and competed for the Gators as a middle-distance runner from 2009-12. As a senior, LaCaze swept the women's 1,500 meters, 3,000-meter steeplechase and 5,000 meters at the conference meet to become first female in SEC history to accomplish the sweep. She was named Co-SEC Runner of the Year during the outdoor season, becoming the first Gator to win the outdoor honor in the history of UF women's athletic program.
NEED TO KNOW: Besides the notoriety LaCaze Gregson has gained from her Olympic career, she went viral on social media in 2014 by crashing the closing ceremony at the Commonwealth Games to dance with entertainer Kylie Minogue on stage.
QUOTE OF NOTE: "When I was a junior moving through the ranks, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make the Olympics, let alone three. Since competing in London 2012 Olympics, I have dedicated my life to being the best athlete I can be so it's so rewarding to see it pay off." -- LaCaze Gregson to the Gold Coast Bulletin
