HEUSDEN, Germany – Anna Willard’s American record in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase lasted 17 days.

The Telstar High School graduate ran five seconds faster than she ran earlier this month when she broke the U.S. mark at the Olympic trials, but she was nipped at the finish line Sunday by Olympic teammate Jenny Barringer.

Barringer, the 2007 national champion who was third at the trials, was timed in 9 minutes, 22.73 seconds, with Willard right behind at 9:22.76 at the KBC Night of Athletics.

Willard’s American record was 9:27.75.

It was a battle to the finish line between Barringer and Willard, who led most of the way. Barringer rallied in the final 30 meters to catch Willard at the tape.

Both runners will represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games in Beijing next month.