Nathan Brannen

Biography

As a competitive kid, Nathan Brannen always had the drive to be an Olympian. While in elementary school, he and friends would often re-enact Olympic performances. He has now been to the Games three times: at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. After making it to the 1500m semifinals in his first two Olympic Games, Brannen advanced to the final at Rio 2016, finishing 10th. He had been the captain of the track and field team at London 2012. Brannen has also competed at four editions of the IAAF World Championships, posting his best result in 2013 when he finished 10th in the 12-man 1500m final. In 2015 he competed at his first Pan Am Games, winning 1500m silver in Toronto and sharing the podium with bronze medallist teammate Charles Philibert-Thiboutot. He previously won a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. While attending the University of Michigan, Brannen was the school’s Athlete of the Year in 2003, a four-time NCAA Champion and 11-time All-American.

Getting to know…

Family: Parents Robert and Debbie Brannen…Younger sister Holly Cambell…. Wife Theresa Brannen… Children Gianna (born November 2011) and Grayson (born July 2014)… Getting into the Sport: Started running track at age 8 because he was a competitive kid with too much energy who was quickly hooked on the sport… Outside Interests: Enjoys spending time with family… Coaches a high school cross-country team… Graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and Communications in 2005… Odds and Ends: Does the exact same thing before every meet, right down to the time he showers… Favourite quote: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” – Steve Prefontaine…