University of Georgia Athletics
Getting To Know Georgia Cross Country Runner Bejan Abtahi
October 25, 2007 | Cross Country
Abtahi, a native of Nashville, Tenn., has steadily dropped his 8K time during the first four meets of the 2007 season. The Father Ryan High School graduate most recently clocked a 25:44.6 at the NCAA Pre-National meet in Terre Haute, Ind., on Oct. 13 as the Bulldogs finished 30th.
QUESTION: What is your favorite thing about Athens?
ANSWER: It reminds me of home! The local emphasis and passion for music is very similar to my hometown of Nashville, Tenn.
Q: If you were not a collegiate runner, you would be competing in what sport and why?
A: Funny question to ask a runner because at one point running becomes who you are, but I also have a passion for outdoor sports, in particular mountaineering.
Q: What do you believe your top accomplishment so far in life is?
A: I see the relationships I have built within my network of family and friends as something really worthy of merit. I have devoted more effort to this area of my life than any other and it is something I am genuinely proud of.
Q: What is your favorite Southern food?
A: GRITS!
Q: How many brothers/sisters do you have?
A: I have one older brother Amir. He is a second-year medical student at Vanderbilt. He is a great guy!
Q: Do you have any collegiate/professional athletes (former or current) in family?
A: Hard to say. My dad Hooman has plenty of athletic background. He competed at a very high level in basketball in Shiraz, Iran and also played at a semi-professional level in table tennis.
Q: Who is your favorite musical group or solo artist?
A: Johnny Cash.
Q: What are your career aspirations?
A: I could see myself in many places right now. I focus simply on working hard and then seeing what opportunities present themselves. Speaking of such things, if anyone has a job offer I would love to hear it!
Q: What was your reason for becoming a Bulldog?
A: All the pieces just fell into place for me here at Georgia. I was one of these kids that had 12 applications out, but one by one the pros for UGA just started stacking up.
Q: What is your major?
A: Biology.
Q: What sports did you compete in during high school?
A: Football and cross country in the fall! That was an odd mix. Baseball and track in the spring. I didn't have much time for sports outside of the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary Sports Athletic Association).
Abtahi and his teammates return to action at the Southeastern Conference Championships in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, Oct. 27. Full results and a recap from the conference meet will be located at georgiadogs.com.
