INDIANAPOLIS - Galen Rupp has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning two individual titles and anchoring the men's distance medley relay to victory at the 2009 NCAA DI Indoor Track and Field Championships at Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium in College Station, Texas.
A 2008 Olympian, Rupp led the Oregon men to the their first indoor national team title and became the first person in NCAA history to win the 5,000 meters, 3,000m and the distance medley relay in the same championship. Rupp started with a win in the 5,000m in 13 minutes 41.45 seconds. Less than 90 minutes later, he anchored the DMR to victory, splitting 3:57.07 over the final 1,600m to cross the line in 9:29.59. On Saturday Rupp cruised to a title in the 3,000m, winning in 7:48.94, more than 5 seconds ahead of the field.
Now in its eighth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
2009 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 25, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp.
