Track and field athletes with University of Colorado ties will begin competing today in Beijing, starting with current Buff Jenny Barringer in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

The qualifying round of the women’s steeplechase will begin at 6:25 a.m.

Other Buffs with CU ties in Beijing include Kara Goucher (5,000 and 10,000), Billy Nelson (steeplechase), Jorge Torres (10,000), Dathan Ritzenhein (marathon) and current assistant coach Casey Malone (discus.

Colorado is tied for fifth with Stanford for the most track and field athletes (current and former) competing at the games with five. Arkansas leads the NCAA with eight and UCLA, Texas and South Carolina are tied for second with six.

Jenny Barringer, steeplechase — First round, Friday, 6:25 a.m.; Finals, Sunday, 7:30 a.m.

Kara Goucher, 10,000 — Finals, Friday, 8:45 a.m.

Billy Nelson, steeplechase — First round, Friday, 7:20 p.m.; Finals, Monday, 7:10 a.m.

Casey Malone, discus — Qualifying rounds, Friday; Finals, Tuesday, 7 a.m.

Jorge Torres, 10,000 — Finals, Sunday, 8:45 a.m.

Kara Goucher, 5,000 — First round, Tuesday, 5:35 a.m.; Finals, Friday, 6:40 a.m.

Dathan Ritzenhein, marathon — Finals, Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m.