INDIANAPOLIS - Bobby Mack (Raleigh, N.C.) has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after winning the senior men’s 8 km in 24:27 at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country race on Jan. 5.

After finishing as the runner-up at this race last year, Mack was able to take the top spot as he edged out Ayad Lamdassam of Spain by one second to record his first international win. Mack’s victory led Team USA’s senior men’s team to win gold.

“It was a really neat experience to be the team captain,” Mack said. “Based on my experience on the course before, I told the guys this course rewards those who are patient and move up at the end with a strong kick.

“It is great to go into 2013 having ran well in a big cross country race, especially in a year with the world cross country championships coming up in Poland. With the USA Cross Country Championships only four weeks away, it is also reaffirming to know that all of my training is on the right track.”

Mack won the USA Cross Country Championships in 2012 and will return to the same course in St. Louis on Feb. 2 to defend his title.

Now in its 12th year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on www.usatf.org. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2013 Winners: January 9: Bobby Mack