CPT Samuel Chelanga

10,000m

Sam started running after high school to pursue an NCAA athletic scholarship. His older brother and his training partner, both professional runners, coached and mentored him, leading to become an NCAA D1 10km record holder. After college, Sam signed with a major sports brand and ran professionally for seven years, but after all that time, the finish line did not feel quite the same. He felt he needed a change and that serving his country in the Army was the right decision. A six-time USATF National Champion, Sam has now been a platoon leader for over two years and feels blessed and privileged to serve in this role as well as representing his Family and teammates at the highest level of his sport.