Episode 669: Olivia Markezich: From Notre Dame Walk-On to Pro Steeplechaser With OAC

Olivia Markezich joins me on the podcast to talk steeplechase, the jump from college to pro running, and what it’s been like joining the On Athletics Club in Boulder.

Olivia runs with OAC out in Boulder and is sponsored by On. Olivia is a steeplechaser, and if you watched the 2024 Olympic Trials, you know exactly why this conversation matters. She took a real shot, put herself into second, and then fell near the finish in one of the most gutting moments of the meet. She was right there, in it, fighting for that team spot, and she opens up about what happened, what it felt like, and how she’s carried that experience forward instead of letting it define her.

Olivia’s story has been one surprise after another. She won the 2023 NCAA title in the steeplechase at Notre Dame, earned 10 All-American honors, and finished top three at seven NCAA championships. She also walked on to Notre Dame and eventually earned a full scholarship, which says a lot about how quickly her belief, consistency, and ceiling have grown.

This one is honest, gritty, and really fun. Olivia is all-in on seeing how far she can take this sport, and it’s hard not to walk away from this conversation believing she’s got some big breakthroughs ahead.

List of topics covered

Training update and Achilles management after USA Cross Country

Racing muddy cross country conditions and gutting out a tough day

Choosing events outside the steeplechase, including a possible 1500 opener

Non-championship year mindset and racing the Diamond League circuit

2024 season setbacks: mono, stress reaction, return to racing quickly

2024 Olympic Trials steeplechase fall: what happened and how she processed it

Early pro experiences and learning to race on the world stage

NIL with On, the pro recruiting process, and why OAC was the fit

What she wanted in a pro group: altitude, team environment, structure

Notre Dame walk-on story, scholarship, NCAA title, and changing expectations

Family dynamic: twin sister rivalry and support, dad as a sounding board

Finding steeplechase and winning her first pair of On shoes at Portland Track Festival

OAC team culture: meeting six days a week, steeple work with Kelsey, training written by Dathan

Building hobbies and community in Boulder: ceramics, cook club, reading, shows

Balancing identity outside running and keeping it fun

Media mentioned (books + shows)

Books:

Cutting for Stone (Abraham Verghese)

The Covenant of Water (Abraham Verghese)

The Housemaid series (Freida McFadden)

The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)

Sarah J. Maas series mentioned:

ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses)

Throne of Glass

Crescent City

Fourth Wing

TV shows:

Ted Lasso

The Pitt

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