Background
Sowinski was born on December 21, 1989 in Waukesha, Wisconsin to Bryan and Jane Sowinski.
Sowinski was born on December 21, 1989 in Waukesha, Wisconsin to Bryan and Jane Sowinski.
Sowinski attended and ran for University of Iowa up until his graduation in 2012.
He competed in the 800 metres event at the 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships and 2015 World Championships. He holds the current American indoor record in the 600 meters. Collegiate
He set his school"s 800-meter record at 1:45.90 when he placed second overall at the 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Additionally, Sowinski accumulated five All-American titles while at University of Iowa.
Post-collegiate
Following college, he joined the Iowa City running store sponsored Running Wild, where he is coached by World Championship medalist Joey Woody. During the indoor season of 2013, he entered the Millrose Games 600 metres, where he was expected to be an also-ran behind the more notable Olympians Duane Solomon and Nick Symmonds, who were expecting to chase the American record.
Strategically following Duane and the unrelated Jarrin Solomon into the final turn, Sowinski then launched one powerful sprint to the finish, not only winning the prestigious race, but taking the American record in 1:15.61. He signed with Nike in May.
He still works for the running store.
In 2015, Erik ran 2015 World Championships in Athletics – Men"s 800 metres.