Name: Bridget Franek
Date of birth: November 8, 1987
Hometown: Hiram, Ohio
High School: Crestwood High School (Mantua, Ohio)
College: Penn State, 2010
Current residence: Eugene, Oregon
Primary event: 3,000m steeplechase
Personal bests:
 • 3,000m steeplechase, 9:29.53, 2012
 • 5,000m, 15:46.08, 2010
 • 1,500m, 4:12.96, 2012
Career achievements:
 • 3,000m steeplechase
   - Olympic finalist, 2012 London Games
   - Two-time USA outdoor runner-up (2011, ’12)
   - 2010 NCAA champion
   - Two-time IAAF World Championships qualifier (2009, ’11)
Awards/Honors: U.S. record-holder in 2,000m steeplechase at 6:19.09; 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year

What is your favorite and/or least favorite workout? My favorite workouts are the ones we do outside of Eugene in the Cascade foothills near Marcola; tempos along Dorena Reservoir; long runs around Waldo Lake and track workouts in Blue River on the McKenzie River.

Why have you chosen to live and train in Eugene? I had both personal and professional motivators to live and train in Eugene. Growing up I had always wanted to live on the West Coast and took official college visits to both Oregon and Washington.  Ultimately, it didn’t feel like the right time in my life to make the move then but when I got the invitation to run on OTC Elite, it was like God giving me a second chance! Professionally, OTC was the most supported post-collegiate distance running program in the country when I was making my choice, and Mark Rowland was the most experienced and knowledgable coach for my event. Eugene was TrackTown USA. What more could I ask for?

Why have you chosen to run for Coach Rowland? Mark Rowland has a wealth of experience and knowledge about what it takes to be competitive at the highest level of the sport. However, the thing I appreciate most about his coaching style is how much of an emphasis he puts on empowering his athletes. He provides us with the resources and skills we need to maximize our potential but leaves the details in our hands. He treats us like true professionals and adults, leaving us to ultimately decide our own fate on the track. 

What is your most epic workout ever? The Big Day at Steens Mountain Running Camp.

What is your favorite track and field meet? The Penn Relays will always have a special place in my heart. It was there, my junior year of high school, when I decided to commit myself to trying to earn a college scholarship in the sport of track and field. Prior to that moment, I was undecided about which sport to pursue and I see that as a very pivotal point in my life. Little did I know that I would return to the meet year after year, creating many fun and amazing moments as a member of the Penn State team.

What is an interesting fact about you that we may not know? I was a member of the high school marching band and loved every minute of it! I played the saxophone.

What is the coolest experience you’ve had as a Nike athlete? Running in the 2012 London Olympic finals in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Who or what has been your greatest inspiration as an athlete? My faith in God and love for Jesus.

What do you do to unwind after a long season? Go backpacking and camping.

What are your other favorite sports? Kayaking, hiking, yoga...I love all sports, especially ones where you can be outside.