As Emma Coburn, the celebrated American track and field star, prepares for her 2026 season, she opened up with a moving tribute to her late mother, Annie Coburn. Annie and her husband, Bill, raised Emma alongside her siblings, Joe, Willy, and Gracie, forming a close-knit family.
After bravely facing a stage-four colon cancer diagnosis in December 2019, Annie passed away on January 7, 2023, at 62, following a courageous battle.
What Emma Coburn Said About Her Mother, Annie
Emma shared a close relationship with her mother, who was often present at her races to cheer her on, such as when she won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Coburn has made her mark in the 3000m steeplechase, first dazzling fans at the University of Colorado Boulder by capturing the 2011 NCAA outdoor steeplechase crown. That breakout year saw her seize gold at the Eugene USA Championships and step onto the world stage for her first World Championships appearance.
In a post on Instagram, Emma shared a video of her best moments with Annie, sharing a heartfelt message about her:
“It’s been 3 years since I said goodbye to my mom and man, I really miss her. It’s a hard thing to even put into words what those three years have felt like.” she wrote. “I have such gratitude for everything my mom taught me while she was here, for every warm hug, every smile, every laugh. I can feel her with me.”
She concluded the message by saying, “I love you, mama. Today, the grief and pain is so strong. I’m feeling the sadness my throat and chest and stomach and just need your hug. But I will be grateful for this incredible life you gave me and will make the most of it.”
Now entering her 14th professional year with New Balance, Coburn may kick off her season at the upcoming New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Last year, she clocked 8:56.55 in the 3000m Short Track, finishing 12th.
Coburn Shares Glimpse of Her Last Workout in 2025
Throughout her career, Coburn has collected a trove of accolades, highlighted by her historic gold at the 2017 World Championships in London. With a record-setting 9:02.58, she became the first American woman to conquer the 3000m steeplechase at the Worlds.
At the close of the 2025 season, Coburn offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at her final workout of the year on Instagram. Beyond the Grand Prix, she also triumphed at the 2025 Potts Invitational, seizing first place in the Mile with a time of 4:33.29.
With three Olympic appearances already to her name, Coburn is determined to shine as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draws nearer. She is also setting her sights on the first-ever World Athletics Ultimate Championship, scheduled for September 11-13, 2026.
Harshavardhan Shankar
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