Brianne Theisen: Heptathlon

Name: Brianne Theisen
Hometown: Humboldt, Saskatchewan
Club: University of Oregon
Coach: Harry Marra
Age: 23
Personal Best: 6,094 points

First-time Olympian Brianne Theisen was born on the prairies in Humboldt, Sask. She was a very athletic teenager participating in volleyball, soccer and track and field at the varsity level. By the age of 16, Theisen represented Canada at the world youth track and field championships. The following two years, she continued to represent Canada at the 2006 world juniors and the 2007 Pan Ams, where she won a gold medal. Before heading south to compete as a Duck for the University of Oregon, Theisen was named Saskatchewan’s female athlete of the year in 2007.

Theisen would have placed 13th at the NCAA championships in her senior year of high school had she competed. Her expectations were high in her first year as a Duck. She was fourth at her first outdoor NCAA championships. As a sophomore, Theisen went on to win the NCAA title in addition to the Canadian championships. She represented Canada for a fourth time at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. In 2010, she won both the indoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon championships. In 2011, Theisen battled through an injury during the outdoor season after winning her second indoor pentathlon. Before being named to the Canadian Olympic team, Theisen won her third NCAA heptathlon championship as a senior.

Theisen is engaged to American Ashton Eaton, who recently set the world record in the decathlon. The pair met at the University of Oregon and will be going to their first Olympics together. Theisen trains in Eugene, Oregon, where she studied Business Administration.