Former Oregon track and field star Andrew Wheating won gold in the men’s 1500 at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
Wheating, who now runs for Nike OTC Elite, finished in 3 minutes, 41.41 seconds. The time was his fastest since his personal best in Monaco in 2010 (3:30.90), the fifth-fastest time in the world.
Wheating’s gold medal is his first as both a professional and a member of the USA national team. He was crowned NCAA champion when he posted a time of 3 minutes, 47.94 seconds in the 1500 for the Ducks in 2010.
This was the first time Wheating earned a medal on an international stage. Wheating finished 8th in his 1500 heat at the 2011 World Track and Field Championships in Daegu. He placed 12th at the 2013 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene and failed to qualify for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow.
As a member of Team USA, Wheating advanced to the quarterfinal of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the semifinal of the 2012 London Olympics.
Wheating hadn’t raced since he qualified for the team with a fifth place finish at the June national championships in Eugene.
Such an incredible moment! Thank you Toronto! Thank you #TeamWheating supporters! This gold is for you!#TO2015 #USATF pic.twitter.com/A9u93rfSXS
— Andrew Wheating (@AndrewWheating) July 25, 2015
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