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Catching Up With Brycen Spratling

Published by
DyeStatPRO.com   Feb 25th 2015, 11:03pm
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From Unsponsored to World's Best

By Scott Bush

Brycen Spratling, the 22 year old former All-American at Pittsburgh University, shocked the world on Valentine's Day, when he broke the world best over 500m with his big 1:00.06 win at the NYRR Millrose Games. Spratling not only showed he'll be a force this year over his specialty event of 400m, but he's a contender in this weekend's USATF Indoor Championships, where he'll face a loaded field in the 600m.

We caught up with Spratling this week, as he reflected on his Millrose mark, the weekend ahead and what life is like as a professional athlete.

*Note: While Spratling's Millrose performance technically isn't a world record (due to record keeping fine print), it's the fastest time ever run over 500m indoors. 

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Scott Bush (SB): First off, congratulations on your big-time 500m performance at the Millrose Games. That has to give you a boost of confidence coming into this weekend's USATF Indoor Championships, right?

Brycen Spratling (BS): Thank you, and yeah I definitely have a huge boost of confidence going into this weekend. It should be exciting! 

SB: The 600m is loaded with talent and you'll be taking on top 400m and 800m talent. How do you approach such a different race distance?

BS: Part of the reason I chose to run the 600 and not the 300 at USAs was because of the deep field. It'll be great for me to see how I stack up against some of the best!

SB: One of the storylines that came out of Millrose is your lack of sponsor. I am sure that's about to change, but what's it been like for you fighting for the opportunity to compete as a professional?

BS: My parents have been very generous with helping me pursue my professional career, but it wasn't easy. I feel like I have to go out and prove myself every time I step on the track and even with a sponsor I will continue to do so.  

SB: You had some mighty success at Pittsburgh. What's your current training situation? Who's your coach and training partners?

BS: I train in Pittsburgh with my college coach, Alonzo Webb, and I train with the team mostly. I have different workouts but having their support at practice helps a lot!

SB: The 400m is a stacked event in the United States. What, if anything, are you working on to take your performance to the next level this season?

BS: I know the 400 is one of the most stacked American events. I know that I need to tweak a few things in my running style and become more aggressive to compete with the best. But those are things that are definitely obtainable. 

SB: Okay, lets switch gears a bit. You had quite the successful high school track career, but how did you get started in the sport?

BS: High school track was such a blur for me because I only ran my outdoor season of my senior year. My mom was the one who pushed me to go out for the team because of my success in football and basketball, due to my speed. I am glad she convinced me because it paid off greatly leading to a state title my first year.

SB: Away from the track and weight room, what do you like to spend your time on?

BS: When I'm not training, I am usually hanging out with my former teammates at Pitt. Other than that, I am usually relaxing and enjoying not being in school.



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