Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia hand out end-of-year awards to cap off an incredible year of track and field. We break down the year’s biggest moments in the sport, including top athletes, world records, viral social media moments, heartbreaking losses, and standout coaches. Join us as we look back on some of the highlights of track and field in 2024.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X

Time stamps:

2:20 - Athlete of the year overview 

4:22 - Female athlete of the year (out of stadium)

5:37 - Male athlete of the year (out of stadium)

8:22 - Female field athlete of the year

11:39 - Male field athlete of the year

16:50 - Female track athlete of the year 

26:46 - Male track athlete of the year

39:36 - Female world record of the year

43:56 - Male world record of the year

51:01 - Most entertaining athlete of the year

54:30 - Social media moment of the year 

1:02:37 - Heartbreak of the year 

1:06:55 -  Coach of the year

1:10:40 - Junior athlete of the year 

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WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“Being able to build off that 2023 year and have momentum going into 2024 is what created all those PRs, created all those achievements. It's like, ‘I did it this year – why can't I do it again?’ That was my mindset going into 2024. I'm trying to reach bigger goals in 2025 as well.”

My guest for today's episode is Caleb Dean, one of the most electrifying athletes in collegiate track and field. If you're listening to this when it gets released on Thursday morning, he's also a finalist for the Bowerman, which is the highest honor in college track and field. It's like the Heisman Trophy. The award ceremony is tonight. Caleb is one of three finalists, so in a couple of hours you'll find out whether or not he wins.

He had a remarkable 2024 season, earning the title of USTFCCCA Men's National Track Athlete of the Year and also made history as the first Division One male to win both the 60m hurdles indoors and the 400m hurdles outdoors in the same year.

At the NCAA Outdoor Championships, he delivered a jaw-dropping 47.23 in the 400m hurdles, which is the second-fastest time in NCAA history and the 11th fastest in the world all-time. He ended up finishing the year No. 4 in the world.

Unfortunately, he did not qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in the 400m hurdles after clipping a hurdle and falling in the race. He had to stay home and watch the race. We talked a little bit about that in this episode. He managed to pull all this off after battling injuries for much of the outdoor season, making his resilience and his ability to peak when it all counts even more impressive.

We also have some news to share in this episode: he has signed on as the final racer for Grand Slam Track’s 400m and 400m hurdles group. He'll be committed to racing in Miami, Kingston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles at the four slams next year. He shot his shot: he DM'ed CITIUS MAG, he DM'ed Kyle Merber, and he DM'ed Grand Slam Track looking for a spot in the new professional track league. And guess what? He got it. So shoot your shot, kids.

With his sights set on 2025, it's going to be a hard year to top 2024, but I'm optimistic after this conversation with Caleb.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Caleb Dean | @caleeb_dean on Instagram

Time stamps:

3:53 - His recent move to Florida

4:38 - Reflections on his 2024 season

5:42 - Excitement for joining Grand Slam Track

7:43 - What led to his improvement this year 

9:36 - Thoughts on racing the 400m

14:40 - How the 400m helps with the 400m hurdles

16:49 - On redeeming himself after not making the Olympic team

18:21 - How he’s built his speed 

19:13 - Why he made a coaching change 

20:27 - Building his confidence 

21:42 - Transitioning from college to pro track

22:43 - Goals for 2025

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WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“I would love to improve my indoor personal best. I mean, the next bar up from [4.91m] would be an indoor American record, that five-meter barrier. So you go 4.92m for a meeting record and then why not put it up to something like that? It’s a very natural increment. I would love to get that record for sure, and then hopefully a couple more.”

My guest for today’s episode is Katie Moon, an Olympic and 2x World Champion in the women’s pole vault. Moon added to her trophy case in 2024, claiming a World Indoor bronze medal and an Olympic silver. She accomplished all this despite fighting with an Achilles injury that delayed her outdoor opener until late May and affected her training all season.

In our conversation, Katie gave us some insight into her offseason, reflected on a successful yet hampered 2024 campaign, and looked forward to what’s sure to be a banner year for her in 2025.

One of the first steps for Katie next season will be a trip to The Armory to compete in her fifth Millrose Games. She shared her excitement for returning to the iconic meet and the idea that she might have something big up her sleeve come February 8th. You can get your tickets at The Armory’s website.

Host: Paul Hof-Mahoney | ⁠@pauliethrows on Instagram

Guest: Katie Moon | @ktnago13 on Instagram

Timestamps:

1:53 - Offseason breakdown
2:51 - Achilles recovery
3:40 - What pole vault running workouts look like
6:31 - Reflections on 2024 season
8:30 - Staying focused on the bigger picture in the midst of injury setbacks
11:17 - Moving to Tulsa and the shift to remote coaching
13:07 - Impact of Achilles injury on competition and training
15:15 - Refinding confidence in leadup to Paris Olympics
19:33 - Competing at her 5th Millrose Games announcement
21:03 - Goals for Millrose and indoor season
22:09 - What differentiates indoor and outdoor pole vault
24:36 - Her outlook on the long 2025 season
26:40 - What a “championship peak” looks like for a pole vaulter
28:48 - Contesting World Indoors and considerations for 2025 season
31:07 - Athlos, Grand Slam Track and opportunities to field events
33:55 - Outlook on growing the sport of track and field together
36:52 - What can she do to join the 5m club
39:36 - What makes a successful vault
41:47 - Inside look at camaraderie on international pole vault scene
44:46 - Experimental meet + innovation in pole vault
47:23 - Hypothetical “Mondo vs. Karsten” race for the women

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WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

“Even though I wasn't winning every race against the top guys, I still had the confidence that I could win every race if I put it together. I know that if I run my race and run the best that I can, I can win against anybody. I still believe that to this day.”

Our guest for today's episode is Daniel Roberts, the Olympic silver medalist in the 110m hurdles. Over the last two years, Daniel has proven that he belongs on the global podium, grabbing bronze at the 2023 World Championships and backing it up with a hard-fought runner-up finish in Paris this past summer. He's also a three-time U.S. champion and one of just a handful of Americans to dip under the 13 second mark with a personal best of 12.96 from this year's Olympic Trials. Now he's setting his sights on the 2025 indoor season and returning to the historic Millrose Games in New York City where he'll contest the 60m hurdles. 

Daniel knows a thing or two about this meet. He's a former champion from 2020 and has twice been the runner-up including earlier this year – but as he recently switched back to a seven-step approach, which he explains, he's feeling sharp and ready to make another statement on one of track and field's most iconic stages.

My guest host for this one is Anderson Emerole, who chats with Daniel Roberts about his journey to becoming a global medalist, the adjustments he's made to stay at the top, and what makes Millrose and New York City so special for him.

Host: Anderson Emerole | ⁠@atkoeme on Instagram 

Guest: Daniel Roberts | @riseofdrob on Instagram

Time stamps:

3:29 - Reflections from the Paris Olympics

6:07 - The race that sticks out to him most from this season

10:12 - How he took on the mindset of an Olympic medalist 

11:10 - How the Tokyo Olympics compared to Paris

17:32 - Breaking down what happens during his races 

20:00 - How he chooses how often to race 

22:32 - Why indoor season is important to him 

23:39 - Why he’s excited to race at Millrose Games 

27:05 - How he’s navigated challenges throughout his career 

30:52 - Thoughts on Grand Slam Track

34:40 - How his training prepares him for races

37:20 - His mindset heading into 2025

39:22 - On starting to share his story more

43:25 - What he’s looking forward to most next season 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

“What we're doing is working. Let's continue, let's be consistent, and let's not go overboard. How we got to running 7:30 is how we're going to try to win a national championship in three months. There's no reason to change anything. It's just keep on staying steady.”

My guest for today's episode is Ethan Strand, a senior at UNC. Just last weekend, Ethan ran a stunning 7:30.15 in the 3000m at the Sharon Colyear-Danville season opener at Boston University – not only smashing the NCAA record but also vaulting him to No. 4 on the all-time U.S. list. Ethan now sits alongside legends like Grant Fisher, Yared Nuguse, and Bernard Lagat.

His journey from being a 201st place finisher at his first NCAA Cross Country Championship to an Olympic Trials finalist in the 1500m and NCAA top-eight finisher just a few weeks ago in Madison, and now the fastest collegiate 3000m runner in history, is fascinating to unpack in today's episode.

We dive into his race in Boston, his dynamic training partnership with Parker Wolfe, and what's next for him as he gears up for an exciting 2025 season.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Ethan Strand | @ethan_strand

Time stamps:

3:39 - Reflections from setting the collegiate 3000m record

4:53 - Thoughts on competing over chasing times

5:40 - Training with teammate Parker Wolfe

7:08 - His relationship with Coach Chris Miltenberg

10:59 - Rebounding from outdoor season

12:40 - Learning from Coach Milt’s former athletes, like Grant Fisher

15:57 - Growing up in a running family

17:10 - How he got his start in running 

20:43 - His training structure dating back to high school

21:37 - His mileage progression 

26:00 - Breaking down his 3000m collegiate record

32:00 - Being among the big names of American distance running

35:56 - What’s next for indoor season

37:31 - Looking ahead to goals for next summer

39:01 - UNC’s team culture

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com

“Ultimately, for that Orlando race, that was more about getting my feet wet a little bit and seeing how the distance felt. Now that I know how it feels, I know that I can push harder.”

My guest for today's episode is Amanda Vestri. She's a professional runner for Brooks who trains with Zap Endurance. She's a rising star on the U.S. distance running scene who just made a stunning half marathon debut at the Orlando Half this past weekend with a blazing 1:18:12 performance that puts her at No. 13 on the U.S. all-time women's half marathon list and sets the stage for what could be an incredible road racing career ahead for her.

Amanda's path to this milestone hasn't been smooth after an injury disrupted her training just weeks before her debut. She pivoted her plans and showed remarkable adaptability and determination to test herself in Orlando. The positives for 2024 outweigh the negatives. She ran a 31:10 personal best for 10K on the track. She was the top American at the NYRR Mini 10K. Over the summer, she signed a pro contract and then took fifth at the US Olympic trials 10,000m final on the track.

In this episode, we discuss her breakthrough 2024 season and unpack some of her aspirations for Houston and beyond. We also look back at what spurred her passion to someday become a professional runner and then follow her long term vision of making the U.S. Olympic Marathon team for Los Angeles in 2028. 

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Amanda Vestri | @a_vestri

Time stamps:

4:20 - Reflections on her 2024 season

7:21 - How her training has evolved throughout the year

9:58 - Details on her training group (Zap Endurance)

14:33 - Plans on chasing standards + U.S. teams

17:44 - Thoughts on racing the 10K

19:52 - Her transition to the roads

24:46 - Her path to elite running 

27:32 - Reflections on her college career at Iowa State + Syracuse

34:33 - How she handled getting COVID leading into the Olympic Trials

36:51 - Signing with Brooks during the Trials

40:24 - Breaking down the Olympic Trials 10,000m

45:29 - Half marathon being an underrated distance

51:13 - Details on some of her workouts + long runs 

54:36 - Breaking down the race

56:33 - Goals for the Houston Half

59:34 - Fueling during the race 

1:02:21 - Thoughts on moving up to the marathon 

1:06:51 - Goals looking ahead to 2025

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time, runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

"I had done great things in the sport before, but I had never won a medal. That was something that had tormented me and eluded me for so long. And I finally got two of them. So it feels great. It feels even better when you feel so much ownership over them. I know that it was my decision-making and risk-taking that led to those outcomes."

My guest for today's episode is U.S. Olympian and two-time bronze medalist Grant Fisher. Grant had a career-defining year in 2024, standing on the podium twice at the Paris Olympics in the 5000m and 10,000m. But true to his form, he's not content to rest on those accomplishments. He's gearing up for a new challenge in 2025 by signing on for the inaugural season of Grand Slam Track.

In this interview, he shares his thoughts on how the Grand Slam model can elevate track visibility, attract new fans, and give athletes like him more opportunities to test themselves against the best in the world. He's in a racer group that will contest a 3K and 5K against the likes of Luis Grijalva, Ronald Kwemoi and one more racer that is expected to be announced soon. 

We dive into Grant's reflections on his breakout 2024 season, the lessons he's carrying into 2025, and how he's preparing for a shot at both glory and Grand Slam Track and some more hardware at the world Championships in Tokyo.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Grant Fisher | @grantfisher_ on Instagram

Time stamps:

4:08 - Where he’s at with training and racing coming off the Olympics.

5:15 - Reflections on his 2024 season.

6:42 - How he built his confidence heading into the Olympics.

7:47 - Goals for the 2025 season.

8:48 - Why he decided to sign with GST. 

15:24 - Why he might have an edge over other GST racers.

17:12 - Thoughts on racing the 3K/5K double in Jamaica.

21:05 - Why fans should care about watching GST.

23:19 - Thoughts on his GST competitors, who else he wants to join.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results.⁠ Learn more at WahooFitness.com⁠

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“It’s time to move on to bigger adventures.” Graham Blanks, the Harvard standout and two-time NCAA cross country champion joins The CITIUS MAG Podcast with the news about his decision to turn professional with New Balance. Just two days ago, Graham ran 12:59.89 for 5000 meters indoors, becoming only the second collegian in history to break 13 minutes indoors—a fitting way to cap off one of the most decorated collegiate careers in recent memory. In this interview, we’ll reflect on Graham’s Harvard career to the global stage as a U.S. Olympian in the 5000m and his incredible cross country dominance over the past two years. We’ll also discuss his decision to return for one final collegiate cross country season, his plans to stay in Boston with coach Alex Gibby, and how he is thinking about balancing life as a new pro with finishing his degrees in economics and philosophy.

Get the full scoop in our exclusive interview.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Graham Blanks | @graham_voted_for_pedro on Instagram

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Biya Simbassa took many American track and field fans by surprise on Sunday morning when they awoke to results from the Valencia Marathon and saw that the 31-year-old notched a personal best by nearly four minutes to run 2:06:53. The performance was good for 17th place in the race but moved him to No. 4 on the U.S. all-time list.

Only Khalid Khannouchi (2:05:38), Galen Rupp (2:06:07) and Ryan Hall (2:06:17) have run faster.

Back in 2022, we paid a visit to Flagstaff, Ariz. for a video featuring Simbassa and also recorded a podcast episode detailing his career path from being born in Ethiopia, moving to the United States in 2007 and then going through the school system. He started running in high school in Minnesota and then continued his development at Iowa Central Community College before transferring to Oklahoma. 

After graduating, he was coached by Scott Simmons in Colorado Springs before signing a pro contract with Under Armour to be part of the Dark Sky Distance Project with coach Stephen Haas. In 2023, Simbassa started working with Hall as his coach. The partnership lasted until this summer before Hall decided to step back from coaching. Simbassa worked with Ian Carter (a McKirdy Trained coach, who also was coached by Hall) for the Valencia Marathon build-up.

CITIUS MAG spoke with Simbassa on Thursday afternoon to get details on how the performance came about.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Biya Simbassa | @simba_runner

Time stamps:

3:19 - Reflections coming off the Valencia Marathon 

5:12 - Processing the Olympic Marathon Trials 

6:59 - Thoughts on whether he could’ve made the Olympic team

8:17 - When he knew the marathon was his event

11:15 - Feelings after not making Olympic team

13:00 - Why he races so often

17:14 - Thoughts on Ryan Hall stepping away as his coach

18:27 - Ian Carter becoming his new coach

19:42 - Why he landed on racing Valencia

20:39 - Goals and expectations heading into Valencia

23:55 - How he stayed composed after the halfway split 

27:12 - Valencia course + atmosphere

30:13 - Shoe choice for the race

32:00 - Fueling throughout the race 

33:44 - Plans for what’s next 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“A lot of the time it comes down to whether I’d rather set a world record in February or win the World Championships and defend my title in September. There's a lot that goes into it, but I think I'm fast enough to go after a world record in a few events.”

My guest for today's episode is none other than Cole Hocker, the 23-year-old American middle distance star who shocked the world at the Paris Olympics by winning gold in the men's 1500m. While the pre-race buzz centered on Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr, it was Cole who flew under the radar and stormed to victory in an Olympic record of 3:27.65.

If you go back into our podcast archives, you can find an episode that we did with Cole in Paris just 48 hours after his victory. It was really cool to have that moment etched in time and to hear how fresh his thoughts and feelings were. We touch on life since Paris in this conversation.

From his breakout performance in Tokyo to the Olympic triumph in Paris, Cole has established himself as one of the best middle distance runners in the world. We reflect on his incredible 2024 season and learn how he's gearing up for another big year with the World Championships in Tokyo on the horizon. Plus his participation in Grand Slam track's inaugural season.

Cole is also here to announce that one of his first races in 2025 will be the 3000m at the iconic Millrose Games this February in New York City. You can get your tickets at the Armory's website.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Cole Hocker | @colehocker on Instagram

Time stamps:

4:02 - Highlights since becoming the 1500m Olympic champion

6:25 - Plans looking ahead to 2025

8:05 - What recovery looked like for him post-Olympics

9:00 - Racing the 3000m at Millrose Games announcement

10:33- How he’s getting ready to move up to the 3K

11:50 - Why he’s racing the 3K instead of the mile at Millrose 

17:13 - Going after the 3K world record 

18:31 - Looking ahead to race plans for the 2025 season 

22:42 - Ways he’s hoping to continue improving 

25:44 - Deciding to sign with Grand Slam Track

28:35 - When he’ll start race-specific training 

29:24 - His upcoming 600m race with Fred Kerley

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

WAHOO: KICKR RUN - a new revolutionary treadmill offering the freedom and form of outdoor running at home, from Wahoo Fitness. Run hands-free and focus solely on the joy of running with the innovative RunFree Mode - which adjusts to your stride and pace automatically. For the first time runners can now fully benefit from indoor training apps such as Zwift Run and the Wahoo app for an immersive training experience that delivers unmatched realism and results. Learn more at WahooFitness.com

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“I know that I have to come in even stronger, even faster, even better. I'm looking to break the world record indoors this season and win the world indoor title. That’s not going to come with me still living in being an Olympic champion from August. We've got to do it again.”

My guest for today's episode is Masai Russell, the Olympic champion in the 100m hurdles and one of track's brightest new stars. Masai's gold medal performance in Paris wasn't just a victory; it was a statement after a season filled with ups and downs and doubts. She channeled sheer will and resilience to seize the biggest title of her career crossing the finish line in a jaw-dropping photo finish that left fans around the world celebrating her triumph.

In this episode, Masai reflects on her remarkable 2024 season, the challenges she overcame to reach the top, and how she's already back to work with even bigger plans for 2025. There's also some great mindset talk in this conversation. 

Plus, she's here to announce one of her first races of 2025 will be the 60m hurdles at the Millrose Games. This upcoming February, you can get your tickets on the Armory's website. She'll bring the same fearless energy that made her an Olympic champion.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Masai Russell | @masai_russell on Instagram

Time stamps:

3:20 - How life has been since becoming the 100m hurdles Olympic champion

4:17 - Opportunities since winning the Olympics

6:28 - Plans for racing indoor season 

8:06 - Millrose annoucement: 60m hurdles

12:03 - How she progresses training to peak at the right meets

16:07 - What makes her stand out against her competitors 

21:03 - The night and day leading into the Olympic final 

26:47 - When the reality of becoming the Olympic champion sunk in 

29:23 - How her experience at Bullis High School shaped her mindset 

35:53 - Looking ahead to future races 

41:18 - More reflections on winning the Olympics

44:05 - What it’s going to take to top 2024 in 2025

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