Dr. Brian Hickey

FAMU Professor Makes U.S. Duathlon Team

By Heath A. Smith
Democrat Staff Writer
Article published Jun 16, 2007

Brian Hickey doesn't mind going the extra mile - or 60. Hickey, a professor in Florida A&M's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, has qualified to compete for the United States' national team for the 2007 International Triathlon Union (ITU) Duathlon Long Course World Championships Oct. 21 in Richmond, Va.

This will be Hickey's third year competing for the U.S. in the international event. "I got into duathlon as an extension of my running when I added cycling to my training program," Hickey said. "I won the first duathlon I entered in June of 2004. "At the urging of local chiropractor Dr. John VanTassel, I tried out for the 2005 U.S. duathlon team in November of 2004 out in California and made the team."

Hickey made the U.S. team this year at a qualifying race in San Angelo, Texas, on April 21. The 90-kilometer race consisted of two 8-kilometer trail runs sandwiched around a 74-kilometer road bike race. Hickey, 39, finished third in his age group with a time of 3:47.37.
"I am looking forward to representing my country and FAMU at the world duathlon championships in Richmond," Hickey said. "In a perfect world, the day will end with me on the top step of the podium and Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the 'Star Spangled Banner' playing over the PA system."

Hickey's area of expertise is the applied exercise sciences. The courses he teaches include exercise physiology, kinesiology and motor learning. In other words, few people understand as well as Hickey how to push one's body to its physical limits or how the body recovers from that punishment. That knowledge has been vital for Hickey in his preparation for his events, but he doesn't mind spreading the knowledge.

Hickey has been a big help to the FAMU men's basketball team as players deal with the daily physical demands of their sport. FAMU coach Mike Gillespie Sr. has known Hickey, known as "Doc" to the team, since they both worked at Tallahassee Community College. FAMU assistant coach Mike Gillespie Jr. said Hickey sought out his father and offered his help when he came to work at FAMU. "He wears so many hats for us," Gillespie Jr. said. "He is a counselor, a mentor, and helps with strength and conditioning." Gillespie Jr. said Hickey's advice was invaluable during the team's run through the MEAC tournament in Raleigh, N.C., this past season.
"Doc actually helped our guys a lot over the phone during the MEAC tournament," Gillespie Jr. said. "He gave them a lot of tips on recovery. "He gave tips on how to rejuvenate their legs over a 24-hour period. He has the book knowledge and the practical knowledge, and the players respect what he has to say." After helping the Rattlers get their championship in March, Hickey hopes to get his own trophy this October.

Florida A&M professor Brian Hickey finished third in his age group at a qualifying race in San Angelo, Texas, on April 21 to make the U.S. team.

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Post race comments from Doc Brian...
I was 20th in the 35-39 age group at the 2007 ITU World Long Course Duathlon Championships on Sunday October 21. My finishing time was 4 hours 5 minutes over the 15k run - 80k bike - 7.5k run course. This is my best finish at Worlds to date.