Episode 55 - 2008 Olympic Trials Men's 800m Flashback w/ Christian Smith & Andrew Wheating

The Men's 800m final at the 2008 Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR was nothing short of epic and we have an epic podcast to reflect on that amazing race for our millions of listeners. A race that people often cite as one of their favorite races of all-time.

Christian Smith and Andrew Wheating join us to look back on the race, you know two of the guys who made the team and realized their dreams that day.

Christian Smith is a native of Kansas decided to stay in state and attend Kansas State, where he was an NCAA Champion in the mile, four-time All-American, and NCAA record holder in the indoor 1000m. Christian ran professionally for the Oregon Track Club Elite team in Eugene directly after college, where he was part of the Oregon sweep in the race we discuss to become a 2008 Olympian in the 800m. He has a personal best of 1:44.86 in that event. He now lives back in Kansas where is a restaurant entrepreneur, including a couple Fat Shacks, and family man with three young children who keep him busy.

Andrew Wheating's story we partially broke down in episode 53 with Jeff Johnson. An atmospheric breaking talent, Andy went from playing high school soccer to trying out cross country to a recruit joining the University of Oregon track & field team to earning a spot on an Olympic team in just over two years. An insane story. Besides making this Olympic team in 2008, Andy went on to become a multiple-time NCAA Champion and All-American for the Ducks. He again made the Olympic team in 2012, this time in the 1500m.  He has personal bests of 1:44.56 in the 800m and 3:30.90 in the 1500m. Andy is now playing a major role for the up and coming ON Running shoe company which is signing and supporting professional athletes across the U.S. and the world.

We had an unbelievable time with Christian and Andy reflecting and breaking down this very big moment in both of their lives. Check out the race before and after the pod here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeIY_M7YJxk

Thank you Christian and Andy! One of the most fun and entertaining episodes we have ever recorded. We hope you enjoy the show!

Subscribe to the show on iTunes or Stitcher or Spotify or really where ever you get your podcast to get future episodes and please follow us on Twitter @just_athletics and like us on the Facebook or our Instagram page.