Sam Prakel - Unshakeable
"This somewhat scarring experience presented a mental challenge"
Sam Prakel wears the adidas stripes today, before that he wore the Oregon Ducks green and yellow, before that he wore his hometown singlet of Versailles. A story of extreme talent meshed with extreme work ethic is the backdrop of a now 3:54 miler.
Starting early, he showed his potential making the state championship, but he would hit rough patches quickly. As a freshman in high school, “my first state meet in cross country was a challenging one. I was one of the favorites heading into the Division III race, but just days before the meet, I started to feel ill.” Prakel remembers that as the race went on, “I struggled in the last half of the race as guys I had beat earlier in the year pulled well away from me. Blacking out across the finish line, I was exhausted and embarrassed, but that was just the beginning.” This horrific experience lasted longer then just the race for Sam Prakel, “As I tried to recover after the race, my body kept feeling worse and worse. My temperature was 104 degrees, and I was having other flu-like symptoms. I went home and endured a miserable few days as my body fought off the 2009 swine flu.” Facing this adversity of the swine flu for Sam Prakel was influential in his further pursuit of running because of the mental block he would have to overcome. For the following seasons, “This somewhat scarring experience presented a mental challenge when the next few state meets rolled around, but I was able to overcome that anxiety and win 2 state XC titles later in my career.” This adversity Sam Prakel faced in his first year of prep running was not to hold him back as he would find success with running but not without more adversity.
Prakel would impress many top division one schools in high school with personal bests of 1:52.32(800m) and 3:46.93(1500 metres). Before committing to a college, he was "fortunate to take visits to some top running schools like Stanford, Georgetown, Princeton, Furman, and Oregon.” On those visits though, Sam Prakel would have one school standout for many different reasons to him. Reminiscing on his decision Prakel says what influenced his choice was “Primarily, the guys at Oregon had extremely high expectations for themselves and one another. Not only did they want to do big things at NCAAs, but workouts were at a level of intensity and professionalism that seemed to elevate everyone’s performance. Also, everyone’s belief in Coach Powell gave the program focus and momentum.” This decision to choose Oregon and Coach Powell would lead to a future that would bring him a fruitful career.
Sam Prakel wearing his new teams’ singlet would transform himself into a top miler in collegiate running. As a freshman “My career at Oregon got off to an amazing start. I made the NCAA 1500m final as a freshman and ran 3:41.0. After that first year, anything seemed possible.” A spectacular first year by Prakel looked like he was setting himself up for an amazing future with the Ducks. But after reflecting on his time with Oregon, Prakel says, “As a sophomore, I started living off campus and had trouble keeping my weight up. My mileage increased, and I was learning to cook for myself. It took me a while to figure out that balance, and I lost a lot of my power as a mid distance runner. This forced me to redshirt my sophomore track season.” This transition of living situations for Sam Prakel took a toll on him for the year but with his second year behind him, the future was bright. “I rebounded my junior year with a healthier approach to training to make the 2016 Olympic Trials.” This season is impressive for anyone as he ran 3:40.11 in the 1500 metres but like previously he would find himself in a difficult situation. “My 4th year brought some new challenges, though. I got heat stroke at the PAC-12 XC meet in Tucson, AZ, got injured and missed the indoor season, and then failed to qualify for the NCAA outdoor meet.” This was a tough year for the senior Duck, and he could have easily given up after already accomplishing plenty but that is not Sam Prakel. Instead, “After flying home for my grandpa’s funeral that summer, I continued to believe in myself and traveled to Ireland where I ended up running a 3:55 mile. This set me up for my 5th year where I ran a 3:36 1500m in April and won the PAC 12 1500m in May.” That summer between his senior year and fifth year was instrumental leading to the success Prakel needed in his last season of collegiate running. Prakel’s success would lead to him gaining a professional contract with adidas following college.
When his college coach would decide to take a job at the university of Washington he was given an opportunity to follow. Prakel reflects saying that, “This culture worked well during my time at Oregon, so when I was given the opportunity to stay with Coach Powell as a professional, I didn’t hesitate. His knowledge of me as an athlete and the championship mindset he has is a big reason for my success.” Sam Prakel was fortunate to follow his coach to Washington while being able to run professionally. With time now under his belt as a professional Prakel had a plan for the Olympic year which has now been postponed. Prakel said that, “After building a solid base in the winter, my plan was to drop down and run some 800s this spring to tune up for the Trials in June. My goal was to finish in the top 3 in the 1500 at the Trials and run in Tokyo. The goals won’t change for next year as I hope we can safely return to sport when the time is right.” Sam Prakel had big plans for this Olympic year, but he will not stop working for his goals to make the Olympics.
Prakel went through many moments of adversity to come out the other side stronger and tougher then before. Learning from every heartbreak he faced in his young career Sam Prakel is now given the opportunity to compete as a professional runner.
Direct quotes from Samuel Prakel to Evan Smith via email.
Image from Getty Images
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