Janet Cherobon-Bawcom: Running, Track & Field

Cherobon-Bawcom is an eight-time DII All-American and 2012 Olympian.

Website: http://www.janetruns.com/

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Cherobon-Bawcom was born in Kenya but now resides in Georgia. While in Kenya she met and was introduced to running by Olympian Peter Rono. Her talents took her to the U.S. for college. She received a scholarship to Harding University of Arkansas.

In 2005 she won three NCAA DII titles (indoor 5k, outdoor 5k and 10,000m). She set several school and national records and left Harding with eight All-American awards. She completed her degree in Business Administration degree in health care management and nursing.

After graduating from Harding in 2005, Cherobon-Bawcom enrolled in Georgia Highlands College's nursing program. She also gave up running. In 2010 she entered the Division II Track & Field Hall of Fame. In 2012 she was inducted into the Harding Athletic Hall of Fame.

Cherobon-Bawcom started entering local road races. Soon she began running halves and full marathons. After finding success at the longer distances she sought out a coach and found Jack Daniels. The success continued.

In 2011, Cherobon-Bawcom won the USA 20km Championships, the USA 10mi Championships and the USA 10km Championships. That same year she was declared eligible to represent the U.S. in international competition. She completed the 2011 USA Running Circuit the overall champion

She qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials. There she finished fifth in 2:29:45. Although missing her chance to compete in the Olympic marathon, she went on to set an American Record in the 25km (1:24:36) and win the USA 15km Championship in 48:41.

Despite missing the Olympic marathon team, Cherobon-Bawcom had an opportunity to make the USA track team in the 10,000m. Although battling a respiratory illness she finished 7th in 32:17.06. Only two other competitors before her had hit the Olympic A-standard required for Olympic competition. As the third finisher in the field with the standard, Cherobon-Bawcom qualified for the Olympic team.

At the 2012 London Olympics, Cherobon-Bawcom finished 12th with a personal best of 31:12.68.