TOKYO, Japan (September 15, 2025) – Former Northern Arizona standout George Beamish ('19) delivered the performance of his career at the World Athletics Championships, capturing gold in the men's 3000m steeplechase.
Beamish stormed down the home straight in his trademark finishing kick, overtaking four-time defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali at the line. His winning time of 8:33.88 secured New Zealand's first-ever men's steeplechase world title and marked Beamish's first outdoor World Championship crown.
Already one of New Zealand's most decorated middle-distance athletes, Beamish adds this gold medal to his resumé that includes a 1500m world title at the 2024 World Indoor Championships, along with Oceania and New Zealand records across multiple distances.
Before competing on the global stage, Beamish built his career in Flagstaff as a member of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. Under head coach Mike Smith, he played a pivotal role in NAU's rise to national prominence. Beamish was part of multiple NCAA Cross Country Championship teams, earned All-America honors, and in 2019 claimed the NCAA Division I Indoor Mile Championship with a time of 4:07.69.
Since leaving NAU, Beamish has competed internationally as a member of the On Athletics Club, establishing himself as one of the sport's most versatile and clutch finishers. In addition to his world titles, he owns the Oceania area record in the steeplechase (8:09.64) and national records for New Zealand indoors in the 3000m and 5000m.
With his victory in Tokyo, Beamish not only etched his name into New Zealand history but also extended NAU's tradition of producing world-class athletes who shine on the global stage.
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