SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – For many, the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games is the dream of a lifetime. For Elena Burkard, Lizzie Bird and Maor Tiyouri, the reality of becoming an Olympian was always part of their destiny.
In the opening segment of Season 8 of Behind the Mask, USF's own Katie Morgan sits down with the three former Dons to detail their individual journeys to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Burkard came to The Hilltop in 2012 from Baiersbronn, Germany. During her time as a Don, her numerous accolades pushed her to the top of the amateur rankings, but it was not until 2018 when her true calling in the steeplechase shined through.