Woman Turns Down $50 Million Offer From Professional Steeplechase League To Participate In Olympics

BEIJING—In a rare show of selflessness not often seen in sports, Norwegian Olympic steeplechase competitor Kristine Engeset told reporters Monday that she has turned down the four-year, $50 million offer from the New York WaterJumps—the National Woman’s Steeplechase League’s most elite team—in order to retain her amateur status and participate in the Beijing Olympics. “Yes, the NWSL offers national exposure, you get to travel to over 30 different cities in the United States and Canada, and you make the big money, but for me, the chance to represent your country is the ultimate privilege,” said Engeset after a midday workout consisting of two hours of barrier jumping. “I told myself, the money for good steeplechasers will always be there, but the Olympics is the Olympics.” According to NWSL’s commissioner David Sizemore, Engeset may have another chance to participate in the Games if she turns pro in America, as there is strong national interest in sending a dream team of professional steeplechasers to London in 2012.