Sowinski Wins National Title, Will Rep Team USA

Sowinski Wins National Title, Will Rep Team USA

Feb. 24, 2014

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa All-American Erik Sowinski was crowned national champion in the 800 meters last weekend at the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Albuquerque, N.M.

Sowinski won the national title in 1:47.86, securing a spot on Team USA at the IAAF World Indoor Track & Field Championships on March 7-9 in Sopot, Poland.

“I was really just trying to put myself in the mix,” Sowinski said after the race. “With 300 to go, I still felt good. I put it down really well. I was kind of worried about running two days at altitude, but I did really well. I haven’t worn a USA uniform before, so it will be the first time. I’m really excited.”

Sowinski competed at Iowa from 2009-12. He was a seven-time All-American and two-time Big Ten champion. He owns or shares seven school records, and was named an Academic All-American in 2012.

He continues to train in Iowa City, Iowa, with UI assistant coach Joey Woody.