Nike's 47th Prefontaine Classic Kicks Off Today

Another exciting update to the competition is the return of Para Disciplines to the Pre for the first time since 1989! Those athletes include two-time World Championship Bronze Medalist & Paralympian Scout Bassett, two-time Paralympic medalist Hunter Woodall, and eight-time Paralympic track & field international medalist and world record holder Blake Leeper.

ONE37pm: Cooper this question is for you. I heard you had a very interesting race. Could you tell us more about that?

Cooper: Yes this particular race was one of those very few times where you can call something life-changing or a big turning point. Ironically enough it was my last collegiate race which made it a bittersweet moment, and something happened to me that had never happened before.

I didn’t go into the race thinking I was going to win, but I knew I had to win. I literally dragged myself across the finish line, and it was the hardest I have ever pushed myself. That race showed me a lot about who I am, and it gave me confidence. As an athlete, you have to have the ability to learn how to mentally get yourself to the next level.

ONE37pm: What are you all most looking forward to in terms of visiting Oregon?

Allie: I actually haven’t really thought about it! I’ve been to Oregon twice and saw the beaches which were really beautiful. It was a very cool experience!

Cooper: Well I actually live in Eugene, Oregon as I mentioned earlier so I’ll be home! I think that’s something that can be an advantage, but it’s also something that can be a little daunting as well. It will help a lot because I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed and cook my own meals at home.

Hunter: Two words. Tracktown Pizza. It’s a restaurant that’s all about track and field, and of course, it has great pizza!

ONE37pm: What do you guys have planned after this classic? Any more races in store?

Allie: I actually have a race next weekend where I’ll be running a 1500, and I actually made my debut in that two weeks ago. My hope is to get better and go further. I’ll also have the Grand Pre in New York, so I’ll definitely be doing more!

Cooper: This is going to be my professional race so I’ll definitely be doing more races including one in Portland, but I’m also going to take it one day at a time. We also have plans to do a European Circuit at some point later this year too.

Hunter: I’m doing something different after this Pre. This is going to be my only professional race this year, and I’ll only be racing for myself. I’ll be competing with nobody other than myself and sharing my journey on my socials. The goal is to come out of this being the best version of me that I can be.