Geoff Harris has been a highly successful 800 meter specialist since his youth, gaining fame early in 2006 with his 10^th place finish at World Junior Championships. Since then Harris has been one of the top Canadian 800 meter runners year in and year out.

Harris has used the American Milers Club series as a platform to better his talents for many years now. He currently holds two of the top seven 800 meter times ever run at the AMC series. Both of which were run last year and were personal bests at the time. On June 16^th, 2012 Harris solidified his spot in the Canadian Olympic Trials and ultimately the 2012 London Olympics with a personal best at the time of 1:46.11 at the last AMC meet.

Harris would use that momentum to make the Canadian Olympic team. Once in London, Harris set another personal best in the 800m prelim with a time of 1:45.97. That time qualified him for the semi-final, where he ultimately would finish 17^th overall. Still just 26 years old, Harris has the potential to develop into a force on the international scene in the coming years.

In the interview below, Harris talks a little about his Olympic experience, the role of the AMC meets in his development, and the status of Canadian middle distance running.

1)      First of all, congratulations on competing for Canada and making the semi-final of the London Olympics! Would you mind sharing a little about the Olympic experience and how it was different from any other meets you’ve participated in?

The Olympic experience is truly unlike any race or event I have ever been to! The scale was insane, when I walked out for my heat there were 80,000+ people in the stands… It was an unbelievable feeling. Competing for team Canada before definitely prepared me for the process but the experience was awe-inspiring.

2)      You’ve been coming to the American Milers Club Series for many years. What is it you expect and like about the meets that keep you coming back?

 The first year I came I wasn't very fast, I was an up and comer but hadn't shown my full potential. There was something about the atmosphere there. No one in the stands really, just the athletes and Greg on the microphone. The athletes there are there for one reason though, to run fast. It's why I went there when I was chasing Olympic Standards. There’s a calmness that you don' t find anywhere else, it allows you to stay focused and ready for the task…run fast.

3)      Do you think it’s a coincidence that 5 of top 13 marks on our all-time 800 meter list have been set by Canadian athletes? Or do you think the meet provides a specific value for our friends north of the border?

  I think it's got a reputation for fast times and near perfect conditions. It’s hard to pass that up! I think more Americans could utilize the meet, but in Canada everyone knows about the Milers series! It’s become a consistent place to run fast for so many Canadians

4)      After coming off the Olympic year, how is your current training panning out?

I took a solid 2 months off to really come down after Olympics. My training hasn't changed in any dramatic ways just trying to keep making improvements and pushing the boundaries.  Currently I am  training in Arizona with a group of Canadians.  

5)      Again, coming off the high of the London Olympics, what goals have you set for yourself in 2013?

   The hope for 2013 is to keep building. I don't think I quite hit the full potential of my racing last year so I hope to reach further into that. It’s hard to put a lot of expectations on a season coming off my last, I ran my 10 all time best last season. I have to keep a level head for sure. The hope is still to have another personal best. I would like to go to Moscow for the World Championships. 

6)      What are your race plans this season and can we expect to see you back at the AMC Series in the future?

The race plans this year are still being finalized but if the scheduling fits I will most definitely be back to Indy! It's become a staple in my seasons and I hope to keep it that going!

Thank you for your time!