Ben Offereins
An Australian 400-meter specialist who seized a national title and represented his country on the international track.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Australian sprinter·Birthday: March 12·Millennials
Biography
Ben Offereins carved out his place in Australian athletics through the demanding single lap of the 400 meters. His career was built on powerful strides and a strong finish, peaking when he claimed the Australian national championship title. That victory was a ticket to the world stage, where he donned the green and gold to compete for Australia, testing his speed against the globe's best quarter-milers. While the 400m is often a spotlight for global superstars, Offereins's story is one of national dominance and consistent representation, embodying the grit required to excel in one of track's most punishing events. His performances contributed to the depth of Australian sprinting in the 2000s and 2010s.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ben was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ben Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the Australian national champion in the 400 meters.
- Represented Australia in international track and field competitions.
- Built a career as a professional track athlete specializing in the 400m sprint.
Did You Know?
He hails from Western Australia.
His athletic prime coincided with a competitive era for Australian men's 400m running.
“The 400 is a brutal race, won in the last 50 meters when the body screams.”
