William Nelson
- Born
- Sep 11, 1984 (42 years old)
- Birthplace
- Bakersfield, United States
- Events
- 3000 m steeplechase · 1500 m
Andy Nelson is an American steeplechase runner born on September 11, 1984, in Bakersfield, California. He attended Taft Union High School and became a six-time NCAA All-American, two-time Big 12 Conference steeplechase champion, and runner-up at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Nelson qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics by placing second at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a time of 8:21.47. At the Games, he competed alongside teammates Anthony Famiglietti and Joshua McAdams, finishing 30th overall. In 2011, he won his first U.S. Outdoor Championship title with a time of 8:28.46 and set a personal best of 8:17.27 at the Monaco Diamond League.
Nelson qualified for the 2011 World Championships in Daegu but finished eighth at the 2012 Olympic Trials, missing a second Olympic team. He currently resides in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Alisa and four children, working as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Colorado cross country and track programs.
As of Nov 6, 2026: 3000 m steeplechase 8:17.27 (#280 all-time), 1500 m 3:41.57, 2014 season best 8:28.42 (May 11, 2014, Tokyo (JPN)) · 42 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1500m | 3:46.58 | – | Apr 18, 2014 | Walnut, CA (USA) |
| 2014 | Mile Indoor | 4:03.90 | – | Feb 15, 2014 | Seattle Husky Classic, Seattle, WA (i) - Invitational Events |
| 2014 | Mile | 4:18.57 | – | Jan 25, 2014 | – |
| 2014 | 3000m Indoor | 8:00.05 | – | Feb 1, 2014 | Seattle, WA (USA) (i) |
| 2014 | 3000m | 8:00.05 | – | Feb 1, 2014 | – |
| 2014 | 3000m-short-track Indoor | 8:10.89 | – | Feb 22, 2014 | US Indoor Championships |
| 2014 | 3000mSt | 8:28.42 | – | May 11, 2014 | Tokyo (JPN) |
| 2013 | 800m | 1:54.74 | – | Apr 13, 2013 | Boulder, CO (USA) |