‘Thanks for the journey’: Oregon community reacts to iconic track and field stars’ retiring
Former Oregon track stars announced their retirement on Wednesday
Decathlete Ashton Eaton and his wife, heptathlete Brianne Theisen-Eaton have announced their retirement from Track and Field. The former Oregon duo took to Twitter earlier today to bid their farewells to the sport that has shaped their lives over the past eight years.
The Olympic couple, who met while attending school at UO, have gone on to become some of the greatest in their sport.
Ashton, who won the gold in the decathlon during both his campaigns at the London and Rio Olympic games, also retires as two-time indoor gold medalist, a four-time USA Track and Field outdoor champion, and a five-time NCAA champion while running for the Ducks back in 2010.
Canada native Brianne Theisen-Eaton will retire with a bronze medal in the heptathlon from the 2016 Rio Olympic games, as well as a two-time silver medalist at the IAAF World Championships in addition to her accomplishments as a seven-time NCAA champion and three-time PAC-10 champion while at Oregon.
The Eatons are not only known for their elite athletic ability, but also for their sportsmanship off the track. Following their announcement, Duck and fellow athletes shared their gratitude for what the couple contributed not only to the sport, but to the Oregon community as well.
From Ducks and athletes worldwide, thank you for being positive ambassadors for this sport. We wish you all the best!