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Track and Field

Ben Blankenship

Olympian 2016

Athlete Bio 

Height

5'10"

Age

36

Hometown

Stillwater, MN

Education

Stillwater High School (Stillwater, Minn.) ‘07 University of Minnesota ‘11, American Studies

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)

Athlete News 

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