Academy of Art University Athletics

Gatien Airiau's first 3000m steeplechase in the United States was an impressive feat. The Frenchman not only dropped a new Academy of Art record, but his time of 8:51.08 at the Stanford Invitational (Apr. 1) was nearly a full two seconds lower than the Nationals auto qualifying standard. The time is currently the second-fastest run by any Division II athlete thus far in 2017.

Airiau also added a 10:26.32 in the 2 mile at the SF State Distance Carnival on Apr. 2, becoming the ART U record-holder there as well.

"Gas was impressive in his steeple debut," said director of track & field/cross country Torrey Olson. "There is even more in there and getting the auto mark gives us some freedom in training and racing."