Erik Sowinski


Erik Sowinski is an American middle-distance runner. He competed in the 800 metres event at the 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships and 2015 World Championships. He holds the former American indoor record in the 600 meters.

Early life

Sowinski was born on December 21, 1989 in Waukesha, WI to Bryan and Jane Sowinski. He has two younger siblings, Andy and Emily. Running for Waukesha West High School, Erik won the 800m at the 2008 WIAA Wisconsin State Meet.

Running career

Collegiate

Sowinski attended and ran for University of Iowa up until his graduation in 2012. He set his school's 800-meter record at 1:45.90 when he placed second overall at the 2012 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Additionally, Sowinski accumulated five All-American titles while at University of Iowa.

Post-collegiate

Following college, he joined the Iowa City running store sponsored Running Wild, where he is coached by World Championship medalist Joey Woody. During the indoor season of 2013, he entered the Millrose Games 600 metres, where he was expected to be an also-ran behind the more notable Olympians Duane Solomon and Nick Symmonds, who were expecting to chase the American record. Strategically following Duane and the unrelated Jarrin Solomon into the final turn, Sowinski then launched one powerful sprint to the finish, not only winning the prestigious race, but taking the American record in 1:15.61. Three weeks later, he won the 800 metres at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, winning in 1:47.09 ahead of a late charge by Robby Andrews. He signed with Nike in May. He still works for the running store.
In 2014 he repeated as national indoor champion, which qualified him to represent the United States internationally at the 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland where he placed 13th.
In 2015 Erik ran 2015 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 800 metres.
At 2016 Shanghai Diamond League, Erik Sowinski placed 8th in tactical race.
In 2017, he won the gold medal in the men's 4 × 800 metres relay at the 2017 IAAF World Relays held in Nassau, Bahamas.

Achievements