Brenda Martinez (born September 8, 1987) is an American middle-distance runner and Olympian. Born in Upland, California, she won a silver medal in the 800 meters at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow and finished first in the 800 meters at the 2014 Diamond League Final. She represented the US at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in the 1500 meters.
Martinez twice set the world record in the Distance Medley Relay at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston; first on February 7, 2015, and then breaking her own record on January 28, 2017. In 2016, Martinez qualified for the U.S. Olympic team competing in the 1500 meters after beating Amanda Eccleston by 0.03 seconds.
Her training is planned by veteran coach Joe Vigil and assisted by Martinez's husband and former Concordia University (California) runner, Carlos Handler. In 2015, along with her husband, she started Big Bear Track Club, a nonprofit, working with post-collegians to help develop American distance runners into world-class athletes. Their first recruited was Boris Berian.
As of Sep 16, 2026: 800 m 1:57.91 (#176 all-time), 1500 m 4:00.94 (#215 all-time), 2021 season best 1:59.87 (May 9, 2021, Hilmer Lodge Stadium, Walnut, CA (USA)) · Last competition: U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR, Jun 24, 2021, 2:02.72 · World Championships: 1 silver · 39 years old
Eugene U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR
1500m
4:11.05
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Jul 8
Eugene U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR
1500m
4:23.48
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Jul 7
Eugene U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR
800m
2:06.63
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Jul 4
Eugene U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR
800m
1:59.64
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Jul 2
Eugene U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR
800m
2:00.85
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Jul 1
Eugene U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR
800m
1:59.89
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Jun 17
Burnaby Harry Jerome Track Classic, Burnaby
800m
2:00.21
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Jun 12
Portland Track Festival, Portland, OR - Elite Event
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Honours
5
IAAF World Indoor Championships
1500 Metres Short Track
2016
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USA Indoor Championships
1500 Metres Short Track
2016
🥇
IAAF World Relays
4x800 Metres Relay
2014
🥈
IAAF World Relays
4x1500 Metres Relay
2014
🥇
Bruxelles Memorial Van Damme
800 Metres
2014
🥇
Bruxelles Memorial Van Damme
800 Metres
2014
🥇
London Sainsbury's Anniversary Games
800 Metres
2013
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IAAF World Championships
800 Metres
2013
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Brenda Martinez's 800 m personal best?
Brenda Martinez's 800 m personal best is 1:57.91, set on Aug 18, 2013 in Luzhniki Stadion, Moskva (RUS), #176 on the all-time list.
Which events does Brenda Martinez compete in?
Brenda Martinez competes in the 800 m and 1500 m.
How did Brenda Martinez perform in 2021?
2021 season best: 1:59.87, set on May 9, 2021 in Hilmer Lodge Stadium, Walnut, CA (USA). Last competition: U.S. Olympic Trials, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR on Jun 24, 2021, 2:02.72.
How many medals has Brenda Martinez won?
Brenda Martinez has won 1 World Championships medal.
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