by Larry Eder
Drew Windle, photo by PhotoRun.net
Drew Windle made the 800 meter team for the U.S. today. He showed wisdom way beyond his years this weekend. I have to say, I am quite impressed.
I have followed, not stalked Mr. Windle off his Instagram account and find many of his antics and observations pretty funny and pretty thoughtful. Must be all of those repeat 300 meters, 400m meters and 500 meters.
But, seriously, this weekend, he and Coach Mackey were on a roll. Windle stayed out of trouble and held off Olympic bronze medalist Claytonn Murphy in the rounds, which put Windle into the final.
Then, the final. Eric Sowinski lead from 200m to 600m, and when he began to falter, Windle moved from fifth to second, in one hundred meters. Pure guts, trememdous acceleration, and then, the battle to hold on when one’s body says, “how about a Starbucks” and your heart says, “Shine on, you crazy Diamond (yep, Pink Floyd)”.
Well congrats Drew Windle, you have me at the semi-final. Great racing! Now, have fun in Birmingham!
For a brand like Brooks, two athletes on the team is a big deal. Katie Mackey and Drew Windle, one of the originals and one of the newbies, a great sign of things going in the right direction.
Brooks Beast Drew Windle Roars and Scores at U.S. Indoor Championships
Drew Windle, photo by PhotoRun.net
Pro track runner earns silver medal, secures spot on Team USA at World Indoor Championships
Brooks Beast Drew Windle today won a silver medal in the men’s 800-meter run at the U.S. Indoor Track and Field Championships and earned a trip to the World Indoor Championships. This is the second world team in a row for which Windle has qualified.
“Making this team today feels absolutely incredible,” said Windle. “After making the team in outdoors last year, I knew I could do it again. Running and making it happen is always a different thing of course, but following through makes me confident and about my place in the sport. I’m excited and ready to continue my season in Birmingham in a few weeks!”
Windle ran 1 minute, 46.29 seconds to place second. In the race, Windle ran a confident last lap to secure his place on Team USA, finishing behind winner Donovan Brazier and ahead of third place finisher Erik Sowinski. With his silver medal, Windle joins Team USA and will compete at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England. Competition begins March 1.
“Drew’s path for the past 18 months has always led him here,” said Brooks Beasts Head Coach Danny Mackey. “After showing real promise in 2016 and earning his spot at the World Outdoor Championships last year, Drew is solidly one of the country’s best half-milers, and I’d say he proved today he will be for some time to come.”
Brooks sponsors professional athletes like Windle to inspire runners everywhere and to invest in the sport of running. Other investments into the sport include supporting Windle’s team the Brooks Beasts and the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project, the Inspiring Coach of the Year Award which recognize coaches who create meaningful change in their communities and the Brooks Booster Club which supports underfunded high school track and cross country teams.
