Ben

Blankenship

Quick Facts

• Son of Richard and Patricia Blankenshi
• Anchored the U.S. men’s distance medley relay to a world record 9:15.50 at the 2015 World Relays in the Bahamas
• Two-time NCAA All-American at the University of Minnesota
• Won the 2013 Minnesota Mile, setting a course record of 3:52.7, the fastest mile ever run in his home state
• Began his collegiate career at Mississippi State University before transferring to Minnesota
• Greatest inspiration is his University of Minnesota coach, Steve Plasencia
• Trains in Eugene, Oregon.

Career Highlights

• 2016 USA 1 Mile Road Championships, gold
• 2015 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, 4th (1,500m)
• 2015 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, silver (1,600m, 3,200m)
• 2014 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, 5th (3,000m)
• 2013 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, 10th (1,500m)

Olympic Experience

• 1-time Olympian;
• Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, 8th (1500m - Men)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2019 – 13th (1500m - Men)
• Years of participation: 1500m - Men 2019; 1500m (Indoor) - Men 2018
• Top finish: 5th – 2018 (1500m (Indoor) - Men)