Head Shot
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)

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