Intelligence officer out walks competition

Spokesman Magazine, August, 2006 by Ryan Carter

Capt. Kevin Eastler, 566th Information Operations Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., dusted the competition in the USA Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., June 25.

Captain Eastler averaged 6 minutes, 52 seconds per mile to finish the 20 km race in an amazing time of 1:25:09. He beat the 2nd place competitor--from the U.S. Army--by more than 2 minutes. His time puts Captain Eastler in a very favorable position to be a contender in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. If he makes the 2008 Olympic team, this will be the second Olympic team Captain Eastler has competed with.

In the sport of race walking, competitors are never allowed to be airborne. They must keep their lead knee straight from the time it touches the ground until it passes under the body.

Race walking has graced the Olympics since 1908, although the sport itself dates all the way back to the 1600's. The fastest time ever recorded for walking a mile was 5:38. Captain Eastler began race walking when he was only nine years old.

"My dad picked up race walking when he was in grad school," he said. "He got my older sister started and then I got into race walking."

Since then, being the best has become his passion.

"I want to do the best I can," he said. "Race walking is something I am good at, so I know that if I train hard I can finish well."

Willing to put forth the raw determination to excel, the Air Force captain racks up an average of 100 miles per week on his walking shoes while wearing out a pair of shoes in 2 weeks.

Although training is a full-time job, Captain Eastler is committed to serving his country and is a dedicated husband and father. As a member of the World Class Athlete Program, Captain Eastler spends time training and traveling.

Although he has to spend a lot of time away from his family Captain Eastler says they are his biggest fans.

"It's difficult to spend time with my family when I travel," said Captain Eastler, "but they come to my workouts and training sessions. They are very supportive."

By 2nd Lt. Ryan Carter

566th Information Operations Squadron