Countdown to America’s World Champs, #2: with Bryce Hoppel

This is our second column, on Countdown to America’s World Championships, written by Jeff Benjamin, senior writer for RunBlogRun and the RunningNetwork. This column is on World Indoor Champs bronze medalist Bryce Hoppel, who just won the USATF Outdoor Championships! 

Countdown To Worlds With Bryce Hoppel

 by Jeff Benjamin –

From his 1:49 800 meter days at Texas’ Midland HS through a 1:44.41 time competing at the University of Kansas and then right through his professional PR time of 1:43.23, one can certainly agree with Bryce Hoppel’s assessment of his career so far. “The progression is going great and we are right where we want to be!” 

Now, after a semi-final finish in last year’s Tokyo Olympics Hoppel, who is coached by Michael Whittlesey, is building upon his victory at last month’s USATF 800 by training on his home ground in Kansas, anxiously awaiting for the opportunity to toe the line once again against the World’s Best. 

1) How’s the training coming along?

“Everything is going great…the confidence is up and I’m feeling better and we got the progression right!”

2) To many of us on the outside looking in it sure looks like the Men’s 800 is loaded with many athletes worldwide in the 1:43-1:45 range. How do you prepare psychologically for this challenge?

“I like to run against the better fields and take in the fastest guys…I am always searching out the fastest out there and I’m always looking forward to being in those great races with Donovan Brazier and everyone else.”

3) Many athletes have to almost juggle 2 peak performances between the 3-4 weeks of the first performance- is that how you approached the USATF Champs and now the Worlds?

“I definitely wouldn’t call the USATF meet a “peak”…Our training is based on those 3 rounds and it’s part of a buildup…we are going to progress right on up to the Worlds.”

4) Being from KU I’d like to think you get support from Jim Ryun.

“Absolutely! Jim Ryun always reaches out to me with great encouragement…it’s incredible to get to hear such inspiration from a Legend.”

5) Who from the Hoppel cheerleading squad will be coming to Eugene?

“My immediate family from Midland, Texas will be coming down along with a group of my great friends…I also have family coming from Montana as well so it’ll be great!”