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Joe Klecker talks about the US Olympic Trials 10,000m race. He walks us through it and its tactics.
He also talks about On Athletics Club and On shoes like the Cloudboom Echo.
Klecker from Minnesota attended Colorado University and ran with the Buffaloes under Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs. He is a multi-time All-American and two-time NCAA silver medallist.
Klecker grew up in an elite household with parents that own American records in ultrarunning and have won marathons in the area, for example, Grandma’s Marathon. The 24-year-old is currently coached by Dathan Ritzenhein one of America’s all-time greatest marathon runners.
Klecker will be competing in Tokyo in the 10,000m and two of his American teammates are Grant Fisher and Woody Kincaid.
On Running media release
Years of tireless training on the track finally paid off for the acclaimed 7-time All American athlete, Joe Klecker, as a final three finish in the 10,000m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene on Friday, secured his place on the U.S. Olympic Team for Tokyo 2020. Joe’s Olympic debut will continue his family’s legacy, following his mother’s participation in the Olympics 30 years ago.
With a third-place time of27:54.90, Joe’s induction on Team USA awards On Athletics Club with its first Olympian in less than a year since the Boulder-based running club was formed in August 2020. Joe was the first pick and became the initial founding member of OAC, chosen for the inaugural roster by Coach Dathan Ritzenhein and On’s global sports marketing team 12 months ago.
Speaking with NBC Sports following the race, an emotional Joe commented: “My Mom made the Olympics thirty years ago, so it’s really special to now continue that legacy.”
With an Olympic Standard time already under his belt, Joe’s spectacular final three finish, behind Woody Kincaid and Grant Fisher, takes him to Tokyo, alongside fellow Team USA athlete representing On, Jake Riley.
“Joe was the first athlete we signed to OAC and we put a lot of stock into him building the culture of the team, and I’m just so proud of him,” said OAC Coach Dathan Ritzenhein trackside following the race. “What Joe is doing is incredible and inspiring for the rest of the team. At the end of every workout, I told him he’d make the team, and that’s the mantra he lives by.”
Additional competing OAC athletes at the U.S. Olympic Trials includes Leah Falland (3000m Steeplechase), Emily Oren (3000m Steeplechase) and Alicia Monson (10,000m). OAC Coach Dathan Ritzenhein recently announced 2021 NCAA Mile Champion, Sage Hurta (800m), as the newest addition to the acclaimed running club, who also competes at the trials in Eugene.
For further information on the On Athletics Club, visit www.on-running.com/OAC.
