Of all the accolades she’s earned, all the titles she’s won, there was probably none sweeter than what Courtney Wayment achieved at Saturday’s NCAA Track and Field Championships in rainy Eugene, Oregon.

The BYU senior and Davis High graduate from Kaysville blew the field away in the 3000 meter steeplechase, winning the title in a time of 9:16.00 and breaking the collegiate record by more than 8 seconds. It was the fifth fastest American time EVER, either for a collegian or a pro. Second-place finisher was Kayley DeLay of Yale at 9:25.08.

Leaping over those barriers in a steady rain didn’t deter Wayment, who has been close in this outdoor race several times and has three NCAA indoor titles already, in the 3000, 5000 and distance medley relay. BYU coach Diljeet Taylor said post race that Wayment “destroyed the record” and showed signs going into Saturday’s race that she was ready and determined to win it all.

“The plan was to rely on my fitness, and if anyone was going to come with me I’d put my foot on the gas a little bit more,” she said in an interview with ESPN after the race. Taylor said the plan was for Wayment to run a 4:57 first mile pace, which she did. The coach enjoyed success with two BYU athletes in Eugene. Ashton Riner won the women’s javelin on Thursday. Former Cougar Anna Camp won the 1500-meter run in the 2021 NCAA outdoor championships during her senior year. As a team, BYU finished 9th at the NCAAs. 

The future for Wayment looks bright. She plans to stay in Provo, training with Taylor as she turns professional, as Camp did last year. She’ll also be back in Eugene for the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which could give her a spot in the world finals to be held in July, also in Eugene. l