MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Ceili McCabe, one of the most accomplished West Virginia runners in recent history, is headed to the Olympics.

McCabe punched her ticket to Paris by beating all Canadian competitors in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in Montreal Thursday evening.

With McCabe securing her spot as Canada’s top distance runner, it ensures that West Virginia University will have athletes competing in multiple sports at this summer’s Olympic games, which begin on Friday, July 26. Mountaineer rifle woman Mary Tucker has already guaranteed herself a spot on the United States Olympic team.

McCabe’s performance on Thursday also ensures this will be at least the third consecutive Summer Olympic games in which the Mountaineers will be represented by at least one current or former cross country/track and field athlete. She set the Canadian national record in her event last month with a time of 9:20.58. That time also serves as the fastest in program history.

Fellow Mountaineer Cassandra Williamson (Canada – 800m) and Sarah Taid (British Olympic Association – 3,000m steeplechase) will attempt to punch their tickets, as well, on Friday and Saturday, respectively.