Have You Ever Run With an Olympian?

I read somewhere today that 1 out of every 3 people in WORLD tuned in to the recent Beijing Olympic Games. But how many people actually get to stand toe-to-toe with an Olympian and run a race against them? I would venture to guess that very few people have had such an experience.

But, last night Drew and Sam had the chance to run in a "race" with University of Oregon track star and American Olympian Andrew Wheating.

By way of background, we went to the "Meet the Champions" cross country meet last night at Alton Baker Park and on Pre's Trail. The Duck women tied in a dual meet against Oregon State and the "Men of Oregon" absolutely destroyed Portland State in their race. After the cross country meet, there was a kid's fun run that both Drew and Sam ran in. Right before the kids took off, Oregon track and cross country coach Vin Lananna said to the starter, "Excuse me, I've got a young man here who would like to run in the fun run. His name is Andy Wheating and he just got back from a trip to China." Both Drew and Sam did a great job of running the whole race (Drew finished fourth overall), and Sam finished just in front of Wheating, who gave her a high-5 right after they crossed the finish line. It was a really fun night! These are the types of events that we'll definitely miss when we move to Seattle.


The Duck men's cross country team dominated the entire race.

Drew and Sam stretching out before the fun run.

Drew and Sam walking to the starting line.

Vin Lananna (with the beard and USA Olympic Team backpack) and Andrew Wheating (in the yellow shirt) before the fun run.

And they're off! You can see Drew right in the middle of the photo.

Drew is finishing strong.

Here comes Sam down the homestretch!

Sam (in the pink) and Andrew Wheating finishing the race. Notice the mustard-yellow VW van in the background; how very "Eugene" is that?

Drew and Andrew Wheating

Wheating was a hit with the local media as well as the kids.

Wheating's fellow UO track star and Olympian Galen Rupp was also at the meet signing autographs and giving interviews.