Dathan Ritzenhein, the coach of On Athletics Club (O.A.C.), had a busy morning this spring. While his elite distance-running team ran on deserted back roads outside Boulder, Colo., Ritzenhein was tirelessly shuttling between his truck to provide refreshments and cheer on his runners. As the team split into packs, Ritzenhein navigated the roads with skill, supplying water bottles and collecting them at the next corner. The team members, including top milers such as Olli Hoare and Olympic runner Joe Klecker, tossed their bottles into roadside shrubs, which Ritzenhein eagerly collected.
During this exchange, Andrew Wheating, O.A.C.’s content and operations manager, suggested that Ritzenhein should get a sports car. However, Ritzenhein’s dream vehicle was an all-black Sprinter van with a white O.A.C. logo on it. The team’s camaraderie and unity contributed to their success, which has made them one of the dominant forces in track and field.
O.A.C., formed in 2020 by On, a high-end athletics apparel company co-founded by Olivier Bernhard, has emerged as a powerhouse in the sport. The team, consisting of 13 athletes from seven countries, has achieved remarkable feats this year. Hoare broke the Australian record for the men’s 1,500m, while Nuguse and Garcia Romo set American and Spanish records, respectively, in the indoor mile. Monson holds the American records in both the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m, and Obiri, a two-time Olympic medalist, won the Boston Marathon in her debut at the race.
Despite their individual accomplishments, the team values humility and equality. Each member, including world champion Hellen Obiri, is treated with the same respect and attends practice sessions like everyone else. The team’s success has allowed them to gain more attention and resources, evident in the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Ritzenhein often gathers the team after morning workouts to deliver news and updates. Recently, he shared the good news of O.A.C.’s nearly completed gym makeover, cautioning them about stray nails and advising them to wear shoes. This moment reminded Geordie Beamish, one of the team’s top runners, of the team’s humble beginnings, when they had access to Ritzenhein’s garage.
The origin story of O.A.C. is unique in that most people involved knew little about On in 2020 when the company sought to expand its presence in North America. Steve DeKoker, who now serves as the global head of O.A.C., admitted being skeptical initially, but believed On had the technology to support their vision. Wheating, who joined On in 2019, recognized the need for a running brand to have a running team to gain credibility among runners.
DeKoker and Wheating shared this idea with Bernhard, who had long wanted to establish an On-sponsored team, but with athletes from different countries. They wanted to create an environment where athletes could support and push each other without facing constant competition for national team spots. The focus would be on major events like the world championships and the Olympics, rather than internal trials. Bernhard and Wheating approached DeKoker, who embraced the idea and believed in their ability to attract top athletes.
Their plan faced a major hurdle due to the pandemic and frozen budgets across the industry. However, DeKoker convinced On’s leadership that investing in O.A.C. would make them relevant in the U.S. running scene. Despite other brands delaying offers, On remained committed to building a team. Klecker, a highly sought-after athlete, became one of their early signings. While he had concerns about the team’s lack of a coach, DeKoker assured him that he would be involved in the decision-making process.
Ritzenhein, a three-time Olympian, was unsure about joining O.A.C. until he spoke with both DeKoker and Klecker. After assuring Klecker of his training approach and commitment, Ritzenhein signed on as the team’s coach. His presence not only attracted Klecker but also solidified the team’s formation. DeKoker later realized that their initial budget had been exceeded, but by then, it was clear that Ritzenhein’s inclusion was essential.
The success of O.A.C. is a testament to the team’s trust, unity, and shared vision. Despite the initial uncertainty and challenges, the team has flourished, and they continue to make strides in the world of track and field.