Born a Hoosier.

Growing up, one sport in particular captured Bob Kennedy's imagination, commanded his focus, and stoked his competitive fire. Running. While in high school, Bob won 2 national championships and 5 state titles. After being offered track scholarships all over the country, Bob chose to stay close to home and attend Indiana University.

On to IU.

At IU Bob got off to a fast start, winning the 1988 NCAA National Cross-Country Championship, then winning the 1990 NCAA National Championship in the 1500 meters. Before his four years were up, Bob went on to win the 1991 indoor NCAA National Championship in the mile and then win the 1992 NCAA National Cross-Country Championship.

Meeting Melina.

Of course, in spite of all his winning ways, Bob's greatest moment at IU came the day he met Melina. After working up the courage to ask her to dinner one day after track practice, and being shocked that she said yes, Bob asked Melina where she wanted to go. Because Melina chose a restaurant Bob had never heard of, Bob thought it might be quite expensive. So, not wanting to be embarrassed by not having enough money to pay, Bob almost emptied his bank account to be prepared.

To this day, Bob is still shocked at the incredibly affordable family-style buffet that his frugal date took him to. And they have NEVER forgotten that first date.

An Olympian.

After graduating from IU with a degree in Finance, Bob Kennedy won the right to represent his country in the 1992 Olympic Games, where he made it to the finals and finished 12th. Again, in 1996, at the Atlanta Olympic Games, Bob made it to the 5000 meter finals. Only this time, as the race progressed, Bob unexpectedly took the lead. With the American crowd rising to their feet, and Melina proudly watching from the stands, Bob finished 6th. With the exception of the day he married Melina, and the day their children were born, Bob holds no day as dear as the day he wore the jersey that said: U.S.A..

A Small Business Owner.

After retiring as a professional athlete, Bob went to work building The Running Company, an Indianapolis headquartered running shoe and apparel retailer. After starting with one store in Broad Ripple, the company has grown to new locations all over central Indiana.

A Father.

Bob and Melina are the proud parents of twin school-age children, Marcus and Sophia.