“When I crossed that finish line and ripped my shirt off, I was like, ‘Yeah!’ That was one of my best moments… It was a dream come true, something that I’ve been wanting for years. I’ve dreamt about that moment and I finally got that moment!”
Our guest today is Oblique Seville — the new 100-meter world champion and the man who brought Jamaica back to the top of men’s sprinting. On a humid night in Tokyo in September, Seville ran 9.77 to win his first global title, the fastest championship final in six years, and the first for a Jamaican man since Usain Bolt. It was a performance years in the making and the fulfillment of potential we’d seen flashes of since he was 21 and running 9.86 for fourth place at the World Championships.
In past championships, it was always something — an injury here, a tight groin there, or a perfect semifinal that came one race too soon. But this year was different with two big Diamond League wins, a healthy buildup and a conviction that his time had come. He said in the mixed zone: ‘This is my year. I’m going to take this moment and no one is going to take it away from me.’
In this episode, we talk about how he finally made it happen — the lessons learned from setbacks, the mentorship of coach Glen Mills, and what it means to carry Jamaica’s legacy forward after Bolt.
Oblique Seville isn’t loud, and he doesn’t need to be. His running does all the talking. Without further ado, please welcome – the world’s fastest man.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Oblique Seville | @obliqueseville on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years by the AIU following her admission to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation regarding the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic and masking agent in doping. The announcement from the AIU was made public on Thursday morning.
Chepngetich broke the women's marathon world record in 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. She is the 2019 World Champion and three-time winner of the Chicago Marathon.
The AIU shared that Chepngetich was tested 15 times out of competition and four times in competition in 2024. After she broke the world record, the AIU tested her more as she prepared to race the 2025 London Marathon. Chepngetich struggled in the two races that followed.
Tune in for more of the details on Chepngetich's case. You can also read our recap article here.
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
The NCAA Cross Country season just got real — and Jane Hedengren stole the show. In her college debut, the BYU freshman dominated Pre-Nats, running 18:42.3 to shatter the Gans Creek course record by 25 seconds.
In this episode, we break down Hedengren’s historic win, her incredible high school resume, and what it means for BYU’s title hopes heading into NCAAs. We also dive into everything from Grace Hartman’s Nuttycombe victory, New Mexico’s big statement on the men’s side, and the rising stars shaping the 2025 NCAA XC season.
Catch all the analysis, storylines, and bold predictions from Pre-Nats, Nuttycombe, and beyond — plus what to watch for as BYU, NC State, and Oregon gear up for the championship run.
____________
Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Isaac Wood | @isaacew on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
*Note: The first few minutes of Ben's interview were cut due to audio issues. The audio quality improves throughout the interview.
Canadian distance runner and Olympian Ben Flanagan is finally making his marathon debut at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon this Sunday. Fresh off his 2024 season that included his Olympic debut in the 5000m, Flanagan opens up about the challenges of transitioning to the marathon, including an injury-shortened build in 2025. He’s focused on winning the Canadian Championship and using this race as a launching pad for his marathon future.
Jon Green, Flanagan's coach, also joins us live in Toronto to share about guiding him towards his marathon debut. The two share a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to step up to the marathon and the mindset of an elite runner in transition.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Ben Flanagan | @ben_flanagan on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“If I had even one race like one of my many races this year in another year, I would have been like, “This year was phenomenal because I had that one really good race.’ This year felt like every race but one went very well. Every race, I ended up like, ‘I can’t believe I just did that’ or, ‘That was awesome!’ Things maybe weren’t perfect, but a lot of my races were close to perfect and that was special to me.”
My guest for today’s episode is Conner Mantz, the new American record holder in the marathon.
On a crisp October morning in Chicago, Mantz ran 2:04:43, smashing Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old mark and becoming the fastest American ever over 26.2 miles. It’s a record that survived generations of greats from Meb Keflezighi to Ryan Hall to Galen Rupp but Conner Mantz, the soft-spoken racing assassin, made it real.
If you’ve caught all of Conner’s post-marathon recap podcast episodes that we’ve done on this show, you’ll notice that he carries the same naïve faith that once made him think he could win NCAA titles and make Olympic teams. It’s the same inner voice that still says he can win a World Marathon Major some day or medal at the 2028 Olympics.
We talk about what it means to finally get the record, how the race played out into something historic and the proof of what hard work and self-belief can bring you to.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
What. A. Day. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa unleashed two of the fastest marathons in history in Sunday’s Chicago Marathon. Kiplimo’s 2:02:23 makes him the seventh-fastest man ever and he did it in only his second career marathon. Feysa’s 2:14:56 announced her arrival as one of the five fastest women of all time with a perfectly paced negative split.
Behind the fireworks, storylines kept coming: Kenya’s Amos Kipruto and Alex Masai rounded out the podium, while Conner Mantz lit up home soil fans with a North American record of 2:04:43. On the women’s side, Megertu Alemu and Magdalena Shauri joined Feysa in a flurry of personal bests. It was a good day to run fast.
For more reactions and parting thoughts from Chicago, you can read our recap here. You can also catch the replay of our watchalong here.
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
Join CITIUS MAG hosts Eric Jenkins, Karen Lesiewicz, Paul Hof-Mahoney and Mac Fleet as they break down the biggest storylines of the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Some of the topics the crew dives into include:
- What to expect for weather and the course
- Who to watch in both the men's and women's elite fields
- Top American men and women who are looking to shake things up
- Race winner predictions
- Top American predictions
- Predictions on what Conner Mantz will run
+ More
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For more:
Read: Chicago Marathon preview article
Listen: Chicago Marathon preview podcast
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Hosts: Eric Jenkins | @_ericjenkins on Instagram, Karen Lesiewicz | @karen_les on Instagram, & Paul Hof-Mahoney | @phofmahoney on Instagram
Produced by: Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram & Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.
Our guest today is Faith Kipyegon, the greatest 1500m runner the sport has ever known. In Tokyo, she won her record fourth World Championship 1500m title — seven global golds in this event including her three Olympic golds. It is a reign that now stretches over four years and twenty-two straight victories.
In Tokyo, that 1500m final was also a masterclass performance. She led from the gun and never looked back and ran 3:52.15 to win by nearly three seconds, the largest margin of any of her global titles. It was Faith at her purest: precise, patient, untouchable.
In this episode, we talk about how Kipyegon continues to perfect the impossible by breaking world records three years in a row and racing not for dominance but for legacy. She’s won everything there is to win, yet somehow, it feels like she’s still getting better. Faith Kipyegon has redefined what greatness on the track looks like.
You can watch the full interview with Faith Kipyegon here.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Faith Kipyegon | @faithkipyegon on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia preview all the storylines, athletes, and matchups to watch at the 2025 Chicago Marathon this Sunday.
We dive into the top contenders in both the men’s and women’s fields, share our predictions, and highlight a few sleeper picks and dark horses who could shake things up. We also break down which American runners to keep an eye on and take a closer look at the full elite start list to give you a better sense of what to expect on race day.
We also preview ATHLOS, which returns to NYC this Friday with a stacked lineup. We run through the top athletes competing, the events we’re most excited about, and what fans should know heading into the meet.
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“Probably 20, hopefully 24 miles, I'm working with people. But then somewhere between the last 10K and the last two miles, it's going to be a race with whoever is around me. You never know how these races play out, but hopefully I'm going to see people in front of me, I'm going to catch them…and place as high as I can. That's how I see this race playing out: I'm in a pack for 18 to 20 or 24 miles and after that I'm hawking down people.”
My recurring guest is back – Conner Mantz is back before he takes on one of the longest-standing marks in American distance running: Khalid Khannouchi’s 2:05:38 American record in the marathon. It’s been 23 years since anyone has touched that time and if there’s an American ready to rewrite the standard, it’s Mantz.
He’s already run faster — 2:05:08 this spring in Boston — but because that course isn’t record-eligible. Chicago will be his chance to make it official.
As we’ve unpacked on this show all throughout the year, it’s been a breakthrough year for him. In January, he took down Ryan Hall’s American half marathon record with a 59:17 in Houston. He ran a little faster in another non-record eligible course at the NYC Half in March. In April, he went stride for stride with 2:02 and 2:03 guys in Boston and finished fourth – just shy of the podium.
This weekend, he’ll line up in Chicago as America’s top marathoner and someone who continues to take the next steps to becoming one of the best in the world. He’s got quiet confidence and we’ve grown accustomed to seeing him test his limits in workouts and these races. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to chase a record, how this build compares to others, what’s his race plan and how he’s sizing up his competitors.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Conner Mantz | @connermantz on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“The one thing I reminded myself of and something my coach has been telling me all year is this: Don’t feel like you have to be anybody else. What you’ve been doing has been working for you. Continue to do that. If you’ve been being Melissa all year and you’ve been winning all year, what else do you need to do? Just go out there and be yourself.”
My guest for today’s episode is Melissa Jefferson-Wooden — the 25-year-old from Georgetown, South Carolina who just pulled off one of the rarest feats in track and field: the golden sprint triple crown.
At the World Championships in Tokyo, Melissa won the 100, the 200, and was part of the Team USA team that took gold in the 4x100m relay — becoming the first American woman ever, and only the second woman in history after Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, to sweep the sprints at a single Worlds.
Her winning times — 10.61 in the 100m and 21.68 in the 200m — weren’t just dominant; they cemented her as the fourth-fastest woman of all time and within striking distance of Flo-Jo’s world record.
But what makes Melissa’s story so special isn’t just the speed. It’s also the journey.
If you’ve followed some of her career leading into 2025, she calls herself a self-described ‘village kid’ who had two partial college offers. She saved her dad’s life at 17 years old with a bone marrow transplant. She built herself from an NCAA champion out of Coastal Carolina to a global superstar, who can boast the title of the fastest woman on earth.
In this episode, we talk about that rise, the lessons that come with greatness all throughout 2025 from her races in April through September, and how she’s thinking about being one of the faces of the sport.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden | @__melissaj19 on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Leciewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Stay tuned for some surprise giveaways that we’ll have on-site for marathon finishers. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“You almost need to just have this fearlessness towards it. You can absolutely look at what each of the athletes have done and put them up on a pedestal, but you almost have to be like, ‘They’ve done that, but I’m going to try and do this today.’”
My guest for today’s episode is Jessica Hull, who just earned her second straight global medal with a bronze in the 1500m at the World Championships in Tokyo. Hull went toe-to-toe with the greatest of all time, Faith Kipyegon, hanging on until the final 200 meters before battling all the way to the line to secure her spot on the podium.
Last year was obviously a dream season for Jess — an Olympic silver medal, a 2000m world record, a 3:50 personal best. This year, she didn’t always hit the same highs, but she raced with consistency, courage, and adaptability, proving she’s a contender in every scenario. In Tokyo, she left it all out there, fending off a charging Nelly Chepchirchir to hang on for bronze in 3:55.16. A repeat of the disastrous tie-up that happened in the Diamond League final was avoided.
In this episode, we talk about how she leveled up to get to this point, we talk about the bond shared between all of the 1500m women and the reverence and respect for Faith Kipygeon, her exploration of the 800m which saw her break the Australian record in 1:57.15 in the semifinals and then reaching the final, where she ran another 1:57.
Plus, you’ll learn where some of her early thoughts are on her plans for 2026.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Jessica Hull | @jessicaahull on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
____________
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
HOKA: We’re takin’ over Happy Camper Chicago (Old Town) with HOKA during the Chicago Marathon festivities. On Sunday morning, we’ll be posted up as part of the HOKA cheer zone to host our alternate broadcast watchalong, where Eric Jenkins, Karen Lesiewicz, Paul Hof Mahoney and other guests will be providing their own commentary, reactions, insights and analysis live as the elite races unfold. Don’t miss the HOKA Hub at the expo for a chance to demo the all-new Rocket X 3 and the up-tempo Mach X 3. RSVP to all of these events via the HOKA Eventbrite page at the link here.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“A year ago, I just wanted to get on that team. The goals changed as the season went on. Things progressed and then it was like: you’re sixth in the world and you’re still hungry for more. That’s a really encouraging spot to be in.”
My guest for today’s episode is Josette Andrews, who just finished sixth in the 5000m final at the World Championships in Tokyo, one of the best global finishes by an American woman ever in the event. Josette’s run caps off a season that’s been nothing short of STRONG.
From making her first outdoor U.S. team in Eugene with a gutsy third-place finish, to racing Diamond Leagues in Brussels and Zurich, to standing on the line in Tokyo ready to take on the best in the world, she’s tested herself all throughout and come away with impressive results each time.
We’ve had Josette on the show multiple times in the past and it’s always felt like she was on the cusp of a breakthrough on the global stage. This year she put it all together. Today we talk about her path in 2025, what clicked so well to lead to the success and the lessons she’s taking away for the future.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Josette Andrews | @josettenorris on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
ASICS: The Megablast is the Mega Man of the Blast lineup. Armed with ASICS’ latest foam innovation, FlyteFoam Turbo Squared, it’s 33% bouncier and 10% softer than before. That means every stride feels effortless—whether you’re out for an easy shakeout, stacking long miles, or testing race pace. The lightweight woven upper keeps your foot locked in, the rocker geometry smooths out transitions, and the AsicsGrip outsole gives you confident traction no matter the road ahead. And here’s the kicker—no plate needed. If you’re ready for the shoe that defines ultimate bounce, check out the ASICS Megablast—available now at asics.com and your local run specialty store.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia hit some superlatives and awards for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo including:
- Best Race
- Best sprint performance
- Biggest breakthrough
- Best field event
- Biggest what if
- Biggest upset
- Best comeback
- Best sportsmanship
- Most disappointed to get silver (and happiest to get silver)
- World record most likely to be broken in 2026
- Fan favorite medal
+ More
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Preet Majithia | @preet_athletics on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
ASICS: The Megablast is the Mega Man of the Blast lineup. Armed with ASICS’ latest foam innovation, FlyteFoam Turbo Squared, it’s 33% bouncier and 10% softer than before. That means every stride feels effortless—whether you’re out for an easy shakeout, stacking long miles, or testing race pace. The lightweight woven upper keeps your foot locked in, the rocker geometry smooths out transitions, and the AsicsGrip outsole gives you confident traction no matter the road ahead. And here’s the kicker—no plate needed. If you’re ready for the shoe that defines ultimate bounce, check out the ASICS Megablast—available now at asics.com and your local run specialty store.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“This is the moment I’ve been training three years for. There’s been three years of a lot of hard work and hard times to get to this. This is the thing in my mind, that dream and goal that’s kept me going. Once I put that into perspective, it was a lot easier to ride that wave of momentum into Worlds.”
Our guest today is Angelina Napoleon — the 20-year-old NC State steeplechaser who just capped off a super impressive and long outdoor track season.
In Tokyo, Angelina made her World Championships debut, ran 9:18 in the heats to advance, and then came back with a 9:17 in the final to finish ninth overall — and as the top American in the women’s steeplechase. That finish crowns a year where she lowered her PB from the 9:50s all the way down to 9:10, finished third at NCAAs, and proved she belongs on the global stage.
What stands out about Angelina isn’t just the times, it’s her perspective: she left Tokyo proud, grateful, and already hungry for more. She talked about staying calm in the chaos, adapting to challenges, and soaking up the love from her family and friends as she raced halfway across the world.
Now, as she heads back to grass and cross country season, we’re hoping this makes you a fan of her going forward.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Angelina Napoleon | @angelinanapoleon on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
ASICS: The Megablast is the Mega Man of the Blast lineup. Armed with ASICS’ latest foam innovation, FlyteFoam Turbo Squared, it’s 33% bouncier and 10% softer than before. That means every stride feels effortless—whether you’re out for an easy shakeout, stacking long miles, or testing race pace. The lightweight woven upper keeps your foot locked in, the rocker geometry smooths out transitions, and the AsicsGrip outsole gives you confident traction no matter the road ahead. And here’s the kicker—no plate needed. If you’re ready for the shoe that defines ultimate bounce, check out the ASICS Megablast—available now at asics.com and your local run specialty store.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“That’s where I feel the most free: crossing the line. Running out on the track is one thing, but crossing the line doing what you set out to do with the stadium going crazy — I just want to live in that moment.”
My guest for this episode is Olympic 1500m champion and now 5000m World champion Cole Hocker — fresh off one of the most thrilling redemption stories of these World Championships.
Days after being disqualified in the 1500m semifinals, Cole still came back and left Tokyo with a gold medal. He went from 12th at the bell to first at the line, closing in a ridiculous 52.6 final lap and 25.5 last 200 to win in 12:58.30. With that kick, he joins Bernard Lagat and Bob Schul as the only American men ever to win a global title at 5000 meters, and he’s now on the short list of legends who have captured gold in both the 1500 and the 5000 on the world stage.
In this episode, we go through his whole World Championship experience. Cole talked a lot about wanting to end this championship on his own terms — and he did exactly that. Today, we dive into how he kept the faith through setbacks, how he found that gear when it mattered most, and what it means to cement his place among the greats.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Cole Hocker | @colehocker on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
ASICS: The Megablast is the Mega Man of the Blast lineup. Armed with ASICS’ latest foam innovation, FlyteFoam Turbo Squared, it’s 33% bouncier and 10% softer than before. That means every stride feels effortless—whether you’re out for an easy shakeout, stacking long miles, or testing race pace. The lightweight woven upper keeps your foot locked in, the rocker geometry smooths out transitions, and the AsicsGrip outsole gives you confident traction no matter the road ahead. And here’s the kicker—no plate needed. If you’re ready for the shoe that defines ultimate bounce, check out the ASICS Megablast—available now at asics.com and your local run specialty store.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“I wanted to be calm, relaxed, and confident that I belonged here… Maybe I didn’t get the outcome that I wanted, but I hit my goal of being calm, trying to stay low emotion, and float, follow, and relax — all of the words that I said to myself. I’m really proud of how I navigated that race.”
Please welcome back to the show – the one and only Nikki Hiltz. And what a year it’s been! Just a season after finishing seventh at the Paris Olympics, Nikki stepped onto the line at the World Championships in Tokyo and delivered the best outdoor global finish of their career: fifth in the 1500m. They ran 3:57.08, the top American in the final, and held their own in a race where Faith Kipyegon, Dorcus Ewoi, and Jessica Hull all ran sub-3:56 for medals.
Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in the medal talk that we pushed throughout the championships. That’s what we do as pundits to talk about the sport. But for Nikki, it wasn’t about the outcome as much as the process: staying calm, engaged, and believing in their plan lap after lap.
That mindset carried them to a performance that showed just how close they are to the world’s very best. Today, we talk about the lessons learned, the mantras that kept them grounded, and what it means to chase medals while staying true to the journey.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Nikki Hiltz | @nikkihiltz on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
Mentioned in this episode…
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
ASICS: The Megablast is the Mega Man of the Blast lineup. Armed with ASICS’ latest foam innovation, FlyteFoam Turbo Squared, it’s 33% bouncier and 10% softer than before. That means every stride feels effortless—whether you’re out for an easy shakeout, stacking long miles, or testing race pace. And here’s the kicker—no plate needed. If you’re ready for the shoe that defines ultimate bounce, check out the ASICS Megablast—available now at asics.com and your local run specialty store.
WAHOO: The KICKR RUN isn’t just another treadmill; it’s a complete rethink of indoor running. With Dynamic Pacing, it automatically adjusts to your stride—no buttons, no breaking form, just pure running freedom. Its Terrain Simulation makes the deck feel like a track or trail, while lateral tilt mimics real-world conditions so you’re always prepared for race day. So whether you’re chasing your first half-marathon finish, a marathon PR, or your next trail adventure, the KICKR RUN is built to help you Run Your Run. Check it all out at WahooFitness.com and use code CITIUS at checkout.
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“This is the moment I’ve been training three years for. There’s been three years of a lot of hard work and hard times to get to this. This is the thing in my mind, that dream and goal that’s kept me going. Once I put that into perspective, it was a lot easier to ride that wave of momentum into Worlds.”
About two months after we caught up with Sage Hurta-Klecker after making her first U.S. team, she's back on the CITIUS MAG Podcast to recap her experience at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Sage made it count. After sneaking into the 800m final as the last qualifier, she unleashed a fearless performance, dropping nearly two full seconds off her PB to finish fifth in the final in 1:55.89. This made her the third fastest American of all-time and now sits behind legends like Athing Mu and Ajee Wilson. She's finishing the year with 12 outdoor 800s and 12 sub-two performances. Sage proved that she belongs among the very best in the world and you'll hear in this episode that the 800m is where she's planning to stay for the time being.
This was a fun one. We go through all of her experiences from training to the time in between races and how her mindset shifted throughout the rounds. I love doing these recaps and Sage is an open book with all of it, including the training. She's actually asking for more people to take notice of her on Strava, so go ahead and hit her with a follow there.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Sage Hurta-Klecker | @hurtasage on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
OLIPOP: Straight out of Bikini Bottom, Olipop’s limited edition SpongeBob cans have arrived. Pineapple Paradise features a burst of juicy pineapples and a splash of mandarin. It's on shelves now at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Circle K, Amazon, and select stores nationwide. You can check out all of their flavors and get 25% off your orders at DrinkOlipop.com using code CITIUS25 at checkout.
“In years past, I just imagined myself as a hurdler and long jumper who sometimes did the hep. I just didn’t like doing the hep. I finally accepted that this is what I do. This is what I can be really good at. It just shifted my mindset. The medal confirmed what I already knew and I see how much room there is to grow.”
Taliyah Brooks came up CLUTCH in the second day with three PBs to notch a personal best of 6,581 points to tie for the bronze medal and move to No. 8 on the U.S. all-time list. This is her second World Championship medal in 2025 after earning a bronze in the pentathlon at the World Indoor Championships back in March.
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Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Taliyah Brooks | @love_tbrooks on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
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PRESENTED BY ASICS
For the third consecutive year, CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with ASICS for our global championship coverage. With their support, we’re able to bring you the best coverage of the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Support our sponsor and check out ASICS’s latest including the MegaBlast and SonicBlast. Shop at ASICS.com
Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins and Anderson Emerole as they recap all the highlights from Day 9 at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Here’s a full summary of day eight at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, covering all key results and storylines:
USA Sweeps Relays & Sets Records:
Women’s 4x100m – Gold & Sprint Treble for Jefferson-Wooden
- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden joins Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as the only women to win the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m at the same World Championships. USA clocked 41.75 to edge Jamaica (41.79), with Germany (41.87) earning bronze. The race also marked Fraser-Pryce's farewell, as she earned a final medal before retirement.
Men’s 4x100m – Dominant World Lead
- Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek, Courtney Lindsey, and Christian Coleman ran 37.29 WL. Canada (37.55) took silver, Netherlands (37.81 NR) claimed bronze.
Women’s 4x400m – Championship Record
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone anchored with a 47.82 split, bringing the team home in 3:16.61 CR. Beat their own 1993 record. Jamaica and Netherlands rounded out the podium.
Botswana Men’s 4x400m – Stuns USA in Thrilling Finish
- Anchor Collen Kebinatshipi outkicked Rai Benjamin on the home straight.
- All three podium teams (Botswana, USA, South Africa) clocked under 2:58.
Individual Champions and Big Moments:
Cole Hocker – 5000m Redemption
- Just six days after a controversial DQ in the 1500m, Hocker surged late to win in 12:58.30. Beat Belgium’s Isaac Kimeli and France’s Jimmy Gressier in a tactical but fast finish.
Lilian Odira – 800m Champion with a Historic Time
- Closed hard to win in 1:54.62 CR, breaking the oldest championship record. First time three women broke 1:55 and five went under 1:56. Silver: Georgia Hunter Bell (GBR), Bronze: Keely Hodgkinson (GBR).
Leo Neugebauer – Decathlon Gold
- Won with 8804 points, following a massive 64.34m PB in the javelin. Took lead from long-time leader Kyle Garland before holding off Ayden Owens-Delerme (PUR).
Nicola Olyslagers – High Jump Gold
- Cleared 2.00m in rainy conditions to edge out Maria Zodzik (POL) on countback. Bronze shared between Mahuchikh (UKR) and Topic (SRB) – both at 1.97m.
Daniel Stahl – World Discus Hat-Trick
- Won his third World title with a clutch 70.47m final-round throw. Denied Mykolas Alekna (LTU) a maiden global gold; Alex Rose won Samoa's first-ever medal (66.96m).
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PRESENTED BY ASICS
For the third consecutive year, CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with ASICS for our global championship coverage. With their support, we’re able to bring you the best coverage of the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Support our sponsor and check out ASICS’s latest including the MegaBlast and SonicBlast. Shop at ASICS.com
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Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram + Mac Fleet | @macfleet on Instagram + Eric Jenkins | _ericjenkins on Instagram + Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme on Instagram + Mitch Dyer | @straightatit_ on Instagram + Paul Hof-Mahoney | @phofmahoney on Instagram
Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram
