This special edition of our 5 dreams series (which somehow became 8) gets you acquainted with 3 of the 30+ Unsponsored Athletes as they head towards Eugene Trials to chase their (actual) dreams. Let's get to it.
Let's start with an easy one - who are you and what's your event?
Courtney: Courtney Okolo 400m professional track and field athlete
Robby: THE Robby Andrews, Men's 1500m.
Aidan: I grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY, and graduated from Syracuse. My current focus on the track is the steeplechase. I started in the sport at age 12. Despite challenges the last few years, I‘m relentlessly driven to reach my full potential. I've had success at every level by surrounding myself with people who push me to be better.
What’s your history in the sport with support/sponsorship?
C: I was sponsored by Nike out of college 2016-2020
R: 2016 US Olympian, sponsored athlete 2012-2022
A: I’ve been working since I got out of school to support myself. I was super fortunate to have support for travel with the Oregon Track Club last year when I was training in Eugene. I’ve never been formally sponsored
Where does the running dream fit into your life right now?
C: Running is still the biggest chunk of my life, almost everything I do is planned around my track goals.
R: I'm running for myself and to help support my wife in her workouts so she can fulfill her running dreams. It's no longer my primary focus, but it is still my biggest passion in life.
A: Right now my greatest priority is supporting this lifestyle. Being able to train and be in practice with my sponsored teammates is the dream for me. Traveling and the time spent getting in the best shape of my life is something that I can’t do later down the road and is something I don’t want to have regrets about despite the day to day challenges.
What's your personal dream for this year's trials?
C: My goal/ dream is to make the team.
R: To qualify for the trials was the ultimate dream.
A: I want to improve my racing from US Champs last year. Beat guys and establish myself as a serious threat in the event.
What's the moment you’re most excited for during the event?
C: I’m excited to run and make it through the rounds and see some of my friends compete and make the team.
R: Stepping into the arena one (last?) time.
A: Nothing beats stepping out and striding on the track ahead of the gun.
Favorite (dreamy) place in Eugene (lol?) (if any)?
C: I don’t know much about Eugene but I really like that spot y’all took us to last year with all the trees on the hill.
R: Beppe & Gianni's!
A: I have a lot of great memories of working out in Hendricks park and at the track at Lane college. Lot of transformation took place there in training last year.
Dream running partner (dead or alive)?
C: Chrisann Gordon 400/800 runner for Jamaica. We trained together at UT. She’s the best.
R: Peter Snell or Shane Cohen
A: Mo Farah training session in Kenya with Kenya coffee and banter after. Yeeeezzzzz…!!
Dream walkout song for the trials?
C: I’M DAT N***A - Future or Rocket Ship - Future
R: "Beez in the Trap" - Nikki Minaj
A: All these things that I’ve done - the Killers
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Good luck to Courtney, Robby, Aidan and the rest of the Unsponsored Project athletes!!
