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Bio
 Greetings!!! My name is Mary Wineberg (formerly Mary Danner). Thanks for taking the time out to visit my website. I hope that once you leave this site you will be more educated about what track and field has to offer, and of course about ME! Now that I have completed my Olympic Goal, the journey isn't quite over! I will train hard for another 4 more years and go after a medal in the open 400 meters and 4x400 relay
I was born January 3, 1980 in Brooklyn, New York, daughter of Athens Danner. At the age of four I remember racing in an annual Block Party Street Race in Brooklyn. I was the only girl who entered and decided to race against the boys. Little did I know that this was an interlude to my future. I ran the race and beat my counter parts (fair and square). I was able to walk away with my first trophy, in which I still cherish and hold dear till this day.
I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio at the age of five and immediately lost my east coast New York accent. After that Brooklyn Street Race I never really thought much about running until attending Walnut Hills High School. During my tenure at the school I was able to qualify in the State Meet in the 400 meters but was not a stellar enough athlete in order to advance into the finals. In 1998 I graduated and continued running on a collegiate level at the University of Cincinnati.
Attending the University of Cincinnati for track enabled me to perfect my stride and improve greatly from high school. At U.C. in the 400 Meter Indoor/Outdoor I set the record, which still stands untouched to date. During my time at the University I was able to compete and medal at the Conference Meet and run as the anchor leg on the 4 x 400 meter relay. While in college I was able to combine both of my passions, track and my husband Chris Wineberg. We were both on the track team and our genuine love for the sport blossomed into a great friendship, then into a relationship. In 2002 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, emphasizing in Health Promotions (Exercise Physiology). Chris and I recently got married on August 5, 2006; celebrating our union with family, friends and college team mates. Chris was an NCAA All-American in the decathlon in 2004. He currently trains with me daily and works as the Assistant Sprint coach for the University of Cincinnati.
During my collegiate years I never envisioned myself running on a professional level and in 2003 finally realized that I would make it my dream. I knew that running on a professional level would require hard work, dedication, and much perseverance. More then my own fire for the sport, I needed intense training. In 2004 I participated in the Olympic Trials, but was unable to advance to the finals. Upset at not placing on the Athens, Greece team, I realized that I needed a new focus. In retrospect I was able to see what I needed to accomplish both mentally and physically, in order to make the next team. I now have a renewed strength and will to continue to strive to be on TOP!
When individuals ask me what I do for a living, it's exciting to be able to say ...I RUN. I do what makes me happy! I enjoy traveling around the world and the earnings are also a great benefit. During the past three years I have been able to win three World Championship medals and meet new athletes that make me strive at my personal best. As a professional track athlete I am sponsored by NIKE® and can be found as an elite athlete on the USA Track and Field website. Additional to my sponsorships, I participate in the Home Depot® Olympic Job Opportunity Program (OJOP). This program is geared towards athletes who are ranked in the Top 25 in the World in their specific event. It allows an athlete to focus on their training, while working flexible hours at a designated Home Depot® location. Within the program, more than 300 athlete-associates have competed in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, earning a total of 194 medals including 88 gold, 62 silver and 44 bronze. Working at Home Depot® continues to be a rewarding experience for me, in which I am extremely proud and grateful for.
As I am training I want to thank everyone who has helped me down this path of growth. I greatly appreciate my God-given talent and enjoy being an inspiration to both the young and old. In my spare time I serve as a mentor, volunteer coach at the University of Cincinnati, teacher at my church, and role model to young track and field athletes.
Additional to my civic and philanthropy associations I love to work with children of all ages; I also enjoy spending time with family and shopping. My best advice to athletes on all levels is to be the best that you can be on and off the field. Continue to work hard and strive for your dreams!!
I continue to strive for my DREAM……
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