Then, everything changed.
After years as only a modest talent on the track, an association with new WSU coach Paul Pilkington helped transform the Morgan native into one of the women who will run at the Beijing Games the first women's steeplechase ever contested at the Olympics.
Anderson had competed in track and cross country at Morgan High School - that's where she met her husband - but attracted scholarship offers from only Weber State and Southern Utah. She barely registered among the top runners in the Big Sky Conference during her first three college seasons.
But with Pilkington's focus on training longer and harder, Anderson broke out during her senior season with the Wildcats last year. She set an NCAA record in her 3,000-meter race - it features hurdles and water jumps - and competing at the national and world championships. She picked up an endorsement deal with Nike, and surprised everyone with how far she had come.
Anderson qualified for Beijing by finishing second at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where she carved nearly 10 seconds off her previous best time and finished in 9:30.75 - the fourth-fastest time ever by an American.
Web site: None
Competition dates: Aug. 15 and 17
Timeline:
Born May 23, 1985 the oldest of five siblings - including twin sister Angela - to Scott and Sherilee Olson in Payson.
Inspiration: In 1997, takes up running in seventh grade, inspired by ability to challenge fastest boys during weekly one-mile run around gym. Joins parents on runs and walks before school to get faster.
Top high school athlete: Starts training seriously in 1999 as a freshman at Morgan High School, competing in soccer, cross country, basketball and track. Later wins Class 3-A state title in 1,600 meters.
College scholarship: In 2003, graduates from Morgan High School. Enrolls at Weber State after receiving scholarship offers from only Wildcats and Southern Utah.
Pursuing steeplechase: Runs steeplechase for first time in 2004 as a freshman at WSU, finishes fifth in modest 11:22.11 at Big Sky Conference outdoor meet. Marries Mark Anderson, former high school classmate and track teammate.
New training: In 2005, begins more intense training regimen under Paul Pilkington, the former Wildcat steeplechaser and world-class marathoner who returns to his alma mater as an assistant coach.
Breakthrough: Enjoys spectacular breakthrough in 2007, carving 34 seconds off steeplechase personal-best to start season, then setting NCAA record of 9:39.95. Finishes second at NCAA Championships, third at U.S. nationals and 10th in a semifinal heat at world championships.
Olympic run: Qualifies for Beijing Games this year by finishing second at Olympic Trials in 9:30.75, the fourth-fastest time ever run by an American.
