Name: Andrew Wheating
Date of birth: November 21, 1987
Hometown: Norwich, Vermont
High School: Kimball Union Academy
College: University of Oregon, 2010
Current residence: Eugene, Oregon
Primary events: 800m, 1,500m
Personal bests:
• 800m, 1:44.56, 2010
• 1,500m, 3:30.90, 2010
• 1 Mile, 3:51.74, 2010
Career achievements:
• 800m
- 2008 Olympian
- Two-time NCAA Outdoor Champion (2009, ’10)
- Three- time Pac-10 Champion (2008, ’09, ’10)
• 1,500m
- 2012 Olympian
- 2011 World Championships Qualifier
- 2010 NCAA Champion
Awards/Honors: 2010 Bowerman Award Finalist; 2010 NCAA Track Athlete of the Year; 2010 Pac-10 Track Athlete of the Year; 2010 Bowerman Award Finalist; 2010 NCAA D1 Track Athlete of the Year; 2010 Pac-10 Track Athlete of the Year
Why have you chosen to live and train in Eugene? Because track matters here. There are beautiful running trails, the stadium fills with track fans, and the community genuinely wants to see you succeed. People stop to ask how my training is going, I get “good luck's” at the grocery store, track isn't a hobby in Eugene OR, it's a front page sport.
What is you favorite and/or least favorite workout? I'll take a 15 minute ice bath over a 15 minute tempo run any day.
Why have you chosen to run for Coach Rowland? Mainly because he's British and I dig his European sense of humor. Really though, he exudes confidence and it's infectious. He believes, as much as I do, that I can be great. It motivates me to keep striving when running gets tough.
What is the coolest experience you’ve had as a Nike athlete? Going on a photo shoot with Jordan McNamara. That was fun. But as a whole, I'm very blessed to be a Nike athlete and I cherish all the moments that the Swoosh has given me.
What is the key to your success? "You have to fall in love with the process of becoming great." I've managed that while continuing to enjoy the simplicity of running all together. Keep it fun and positive, always look at everything you do with a half full attitude. "Turn a negative into a positive" -Coach Rowland
What makes you different? Nothing. Anyone can do what I do. Just takes perseverance, patience, and a little coaching. It's never too late to start the process towards becoming great at SOMETHING.
How would you win The Hunger Games? I wouldn't. Tall people are always targeted first. If I can't disappear after the first mile of running. I'm toast. Sally Kipyego, she would win for sure. She'd kill ya with kindness, then slip some poisonous leaf in your tea while sitting around a fire. Shes a crafty one, I can tell.