Citius Mag Podcast

This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack a huge week of track and field action across the globe:- Details and analysis on Grand Slam Track: LA being canceled- Biggest performances from the Oslo and Stockholm Diamond Leagues- Top highlights from the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships- Key results from the Portland Track Festival+ More Mentioned in this episode...Listen: Donavan Brazier’s Comeback Story: The Long Road Back, Resilience, Injury Recovery And Gratitude To Be Able To Race AgainHosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@preetmajithia on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape

Grand Slam Track has canceled its upcoming meet in Los Angeles, which was set to take place June 28th and 29th at UCLA’s Drake Stadium, and be the final competition of the inaugural season. The league is still planning to return in 2026 for a second season. Several athletes who have signed onto the league are on multi-year deals, according to sources close to the league.In its first season, the league featured six event groups and planned to award $12.6 million in prize money. Winners of each Slam take home $100,000. The league made in-season changes by pivoting to a two-day model for Philadelphia. (Long distance group winners were awarded $50,000, since one of those changes was the removal of the 5000m from the schedule.)The league is planning to announce new investors and partners in the coming weeks. Grand Slam Track ends its inaugural season after three meets in Kingston, Jamaica (April 4-6), Miami, Florida (May 2-4) and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 31-June 1).We'll be breaking down more of the det

“A lot of people when they go out and do things [after an injury] have this vengeance. It’s always like, ‘I’m doing it for the people who counted me out,’ or ‘I’m doing it for revenge.’ But I’m doing it for the people who say I can do it because I have such an overwhelming amount of people who have been supportive and have known I can come back. It’s so cool to prove them right.”It’s not every day that an athlete disappears from racing for nearly three years—undergoes multiple surgeries, leaves their training group, and then returns to the track to drop a 1:44 in their first 800m back. But that’s exactly what Donavan Brazier just did.The former world champion, American record holder, and longtime face of U.S. middle-distance running made a stunning comeback in Nashville this past weekend—not just running well, but dominating the field and flashing the brilliance that once made him one of the most electrifying athletes in the sport.If you’ve followed Donavan’s career, you know the road back has been anything b

“There is a pretty significant amount of track and field athletes for whom a college opportunity will only come through the participation of track and field. That is something we need to really educate the public around. Coining the term, ‘the opportunity sport,’ encapsulates all of that. It’s something I believe the broader public can get understanding around.”Starting July 1, NCAA Division I schools can directly pay athletes for the first time ever. This shift follows the House v. NCAA antitrust settlement, approved last week by Judge Claudia Wilken. The $2.8B deal doesn’t make athletes employees, but it does allow them to finally receive a share of the billions in revenue they help generate. Schools will be able to offer up to $20.5M annually to student-athletes across all sports (amounts not required to be equal). It also tightens oversight of NIL collectives via a new clearinghouse that ensures deals are “fair-market value.” After major pushback over lost roster spots, the final version protects current

This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia break down the biggest performances from the Rome Diamond League, dive into Donavan Brazier’s long-awaited return to racing, and preview the upcoming action in Oslo and Stockholm. They also spotlight the top events to watch at the NCAA Track and Field Championships.Mentioned in this episode...Read: How Ethan Strand Learned To WinWatch: Donavan Brazier going 1:44.70 in the 800m in his first race since 2022Listen: Anna Hall After Going 7032 Points In The Heptathlon For No. 2 All-TimeHosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@preetmajithia on Instagram⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Cr

“When I saw the time, I was like, ‘I did that. We are back. I’m me again…’ It felt so good to be like, ‘I’m back and doing things as good as I know how to do them, which I haven’t done in a while. It felt really good!”My guest for today's episode is one of the most electrifying athletes in track and field right now: Anna Hall. The two-time decathlon Olympic champion Ashton Eaton went as far as to say that she might be one of the best athletes on earth right now.Just days after winning the Hypomeeting in Götzis with 7,032 points, Hall now sits second on the all-time heptathlon list, tied with Carolina Kluft and trailing only her mentor, the great Jackie Joyner-Kersee. That mark was achieved with four personal bests, including a gutsy 2:01 in the 800m – a reminder that the final event of the heptathlon was more than a win. It was a comeback statement after last summer's heartbreaking fifth place finish at the Paris Olympics.In this conversation, Anna opens up about the emotional weight of that Olympic r

This week, Chris Chavez and Megan Connelly unpack the new U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifying Standards. Preet Majithia hops on for the second half to recap Grand Slam Track: Philadelpia, Anna Hall's breakthrough heptathlon, preview the Rome Diamond League, and more takeaways from the past week.Takeaways from the new U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifying Standards:– USATF will return to “A” and “B” standards for 2028. The “A” standard will be determined at a later date in coordination with the LOC. Athletes with the “A” standard will get travel funding to the Olympic Trials. Athletes with the “B” standard will be guaranteed entry to the Olympic Trials.– For the “B” standard: Women who want to race will have to run 2:37:00 or faster. This is the same as the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying standard. Women will also be able to qualify if they run 1:12:00 for the half marathon or faster, which is the same as the 2024 qualifier.– For the “B” standard: Men who want to race will have to run 2:

We're unpacking all the biggest moments from Day 2 of Grand Slam Track: Philadelphia at Franklin Field. Tune in as Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole, and Aisha Praught-Leer dive into the standout performances, surprises, and highlights from the day. Some of the weekend's highlights:— Melissa Jefferson threw down a dominant sprint double, clocking 21.99 in the 200m and a world-leading 10.73 in the 100m to capture another short sprints title in commanding fashion.— Marco Arop ran a lifetime best of 3:35.38 in the 1500m to finish fourth, which was just enough to edge out Josh Kerr in the overall standings and claim the Slam title.— Trevor Bassitt surged to a big win in the 400m hurdles, running 45.47 to defeat Alison dos Santos and earn his first Slam victory of the season—after finishing fifth in Miami.— Jasmine Jones became the first athlete to win a Grand Slam Track title without winning an individual race, taking second in both the 400m hurdles (54.65) and 400m flat (52.73) in her first me

The Grand Slam Track series rolls into iconic Franklin Field and we’ve got all the biggest moments covered in this jam-packed episode. Join Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole, Paul Hof-Mahoney, and Aisha Praught-Leer as they break down all the drama, surprises, and standout performances from Day 1 of Grand Slam Track: Philadelphia.Some of today's highlights include:— Melissa Jefferson-Wooden stuns the field in the 200m, clocking her first sub-22 with a blazing 21.99 to edge Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22.10).— Marco Arop dominates a stacked 800m, pulling away with authority to win in 1:43.38, a full second clear of World Indoor champ Josh Hoey.— Jessica Hull makes it honest in the 1500m, but Diribe Welteji’s closing speed seals the win in 3:58.04, just ahead of Hull’s 3:58.36.— Kenny Bednarek stays hot, earning his third straight 200m win with a smooth 19.95.— Ackera Nugent sets a Franklin Field record in the 100m hurdles, winning in 12.44 over Tia Jones (12.60), while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone places fifth in he

The Grand Slam Track series heads to historic Franklin Field and we’re breaking it all down in this jam-packed episode of the CITIUS MAG Podcast. Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole and Aisha Praught-Leer as the crew previews the Philly Slam from every angle—diving into the matchups, storylines, and athletes you won’t want to miss.We highlight the key events and rivalries to watch, including:– Kenny Bednarek vs. Fred Kerley and the rest of a stacked men’s short sprints field– Gabby Thomas dropping back down to the 100m to battle Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Brittany Brown– The return of Olympic 400m champ Steven Gardiner and his showdown with Matthew Hudson-Smith– Marileidy Paulino’s redemption arc in the women’s 400m– Dylan Beard’s Cinderella story in the short hurdles– Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s last hurrah in the 400m hurdles before switching events– Deep fields in both men’s and women’s distance events, with stars like Grant Fisher, Cole Hocker, Nikki Hiltz, and Diribe Welteji going head-to

“I’m patient. I call it aggressively patient. I’m going hard for it all — but if it doesn’t happen, there’s still a process and I chip away for next time. That’s how you become a champion. You don’t just go out there and run and win. You have to have a journey and work hard. I’m always going hard.”Welcome back to Office Hours on the CITIUS MAG Podcast, where we explore the philosophy of the coaches who push the edges of human potential with some of the best athletes in track and field.Today's guest is someone who has climbed to some of the highest highs in the sport. Joanna Hayes is an Olympic gold medalist, a Hall of Famer, and currently the director of track and field and cross country at her alma mater UCLA. In 2024, she was named USATF's Coach of the Year — a recognition not just for her competitive pedigree, but her ability to cultivate greatness in others.She's coached legends like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Rai Benjamin, ushered in record-breaking seasons at both USC and UCLA, and she

This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack: Rabat Diamond League Highlights:— Beatrice Chebet drops 8:11.56 in the women’s 3000m, the second-fastest time in history and maybe the clean world record. She won by 15+ seconds.— In an absolutely stunning upset, Jonah Koech wins the men’s 1500m in 3:31.43, running a 7-second PB in his Diamond League debut. Went from 13th to 1st on the last lap.— Germany’s Frederik Ruppert nearly breaks the European steeplechase record with a shocking 8:01.49 behind Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, who ran a world-leading 8:00.70, who is rounding into form.— Tshepiso Masalela continues his rise, beating Olympic champ Emmanuel Wanyonyi with a world-leading 1:42.70 in the 800m. He is the real deal.— Femke Bol extends her Diamond League win streak with a 52.46 in the 400m hurdles — her fastest-ever season opener. Sound Running Track Fest Highlights (Los Angeles):— Olympic champ Athing Mu returns to racing, placing 2nd in a tactical 1500m (4:10.70), showing signs of progress

Imagine this: you're standing inside a trendy L.A. grocery store—maybe it's Erewhon. You've got a cooler full of canned soda that claims to be good for your gut. You're not a celebrity and you're not even the founder of the company. You're just a guy with a vision, a few samples, and the audacity to talk your way into a product launch.That was Steven Vigilante back in 2018. Today, Olipop—the better-for-you soda brand that he helped bring to life—is in more than 30,000 stores across the country. They've partnered with Barbie, NASCAR, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and somehow even made it into a Luke Combs music video.But it didn't start there. Steven cut his teeth in venture capital, betting early on health forward brands. When he saw the potential in a fiber-packed functional soda, he jumped in—first as an advisor, and then as the architect behind some of the boldest growth and partnership strategies in beverage today.So how do you build a soda brand that dares to take o

A lot to unpack for This Week In Track and Field with Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia:In Doha, Neeraj Chopra joined the 90-metre club with a national record of 90.23m, only to be outdone by Germany’s Julian Weber, who launched a world-leading 91.06m to win the javelin. Tshepiso Masalela stormed to a world lead in the men’s 800m (1:43.11), and Jamaica’s Tia Clayton ran 10.92 to win the women’s 100m.Faith Cherotich outkicked world champ Winfred Yavi to claim the steeplechase in a world-leading 9:05.08.  Letsile Tebogo took the men’s 200m in 20.10.At the Atlanta City Games, Nigeria’s Favour Ofili set a new world best in the 150m (15.85), while Akani Simbine continued his unbeaten streak in the men’s 100m with a windy 9.83.At the Tokyo Grand Prix, we had a few sub-par performances by Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman but it’s still too early to hit the panic button on them.At the Great Manchester Run, Olympic 10,000m champ Selemon Barega won the men’s 10K in 27:49. Medina Eisa crushed the final 5K to win

“I think it’s really important to celebrate the intermediate steps along the way because if you’re only thinking about the highest level of the NCAA…it gets overwhelming. You have to have those goals along the way.”We’re back with more Office Hours episodes. My guest today is someone that’s become synonymous with Hoya distance running — Brandon Bonsey, the head men’s cross country coach and longtime leader of Georgetown’s storied middle-distance program.He’s more than a decade into his coaching career on the Hilltop — Bonsey has guided the Hoyas to dozens of All-America honors, multiple Big East titles, and a steady presence at the national level across cross country and track. A proud alum himself, Bonsey competed for Georgetown from 2004 to 2009, and since returning to his alma mater, he’s played a pivotal role in both honoring the program’s legacy and evolving it for today’s generation.In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to coach at the place that shaped you, what he learned from mentors like Pat

This week in track and field: Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack some results and news from around the track and field world including Athing Mu’s first 1500m since 2023 (which came at a Division II meet in Los Angeles); Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s Achilles injury and some of the key races to watch at the Doha Diamond League this weekend.Plus: Anderson Emerole’s biggest winners and losers from the 2025 World Relays via The Final Leg. Be sure to subscribe to his podcast here.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠ + Preet Majithia | ⁠@preetmajithia on Instagram ⁠+ Anderson Emerole | ⁠@atkoeme on Instagram⁠Watch: ⁠Anderson Emerole's World Relays Recap⁠SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Class

“In the track and field world, every four years is a whole new story, a whole new plan. Everyone’s trying to rush to get things together. I think for us coming off a crazy Paris, having an idea of the direction we’re going and the team that’s going to help us get to that place is really exciting, so we’re really looking forward to the next four years.”My guests for today's episode are two of the most electric and inspiring figures in track and field: Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall. They're not just standout athletes; they're also a powerhouse couple rewriting the playbook on how to achieve success in the sport and market themselves.Fresh off of double gold medal performances in Paris, Tara and Hunter have just signed with Nike. In this episode, we chat with them about why they chose to go with the swoosh, but also, more importantly for Hunter, why it signals the brand's deeper commitment to Paralympic athletes.Tara, a two-time Olympian and the reigning Olympic and world indoor champion in the long ju

“It’s almost been ten years and for me it was just kind of time. Contract changes, life changes now with having a two-year-old and wanting to grow the family side of things... A lot of factors all came together at the right time for me to make the decision.”My guest for today’s episode is Clayton Murphy, who’s been part of American middle-distance running history for the better part of a decade and is now officially hanging up his spikes.From the small town of New Madison, Ohio, to the Olympic podium in Rio — Clayton’s career is the stuff of dreams. He was the kid from the Mid-American Conference who took down giants. The collegiate star who doubled up at NCAAs. The 21-year-old who kicked his way to Olympic bronze in the 800 meters — running 1:42.93, still the fifth-fastest time by an American in history.Over the years, Clayton’s worn the red, white, and blue across the globe — from the Pan Am Games, where he struck gold, to two Olympic Games, multiple U.S. titles, and countless memorable finishes.But it hasn

The final day of Grand Slam Track Miami did not disappoint. With storm clouds overhead and a packed crowd at the Ansin Sports Complex, seven athletes claimed Slam Champion titles — each earning $100,000 and etching their names in the history books of this inaugural season.Kenny Bednarek continued his undefeated run, taking the 200m in a world-leading 19.84 and securing the Men’s Short Sprints crown. Alison dos Santos switched up his tactics and delivered a personal best 44.53 in the 400m flat — adding another Slam title to his growing resume. Reigning Olympic champ Marileidy Paulino crushed her own Dominican Republic national record with a 22.30 win in the 200m, completing a sweep of the Women’s Long Sprints group.Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again made the 400m look easy, cruising to a 49.69 and wrapping up her second Slam title of the season. Up next? A surprising switch to the 100m hurdles in Philly.Trey Cunningham was unstoppable, winning the 100m in a huge PB of 10.17 after a 110mH win the night before

Big names. Big performances. Big moves in the standings. Day 2 in Miami brought the heat and the athletes answered.Josh Kerr is officially back. After illness and injury slowed the start to his 2025 season, Kerr showed he's back to full strength with a statement in Miami—winning the 1500m, then dropping a 1:45.01 lifetime best in the 800m to edge Marco Arop by just two points in the overall Slam standings. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden locked up her second Slam title by winning the 100m then coming back for third in the 200m in a lifetime best of 22.15. That was just enough to hold off Gabby Thomas, 18 points to 17.Ackera Nugent looked sharp with a 12.34 season’s best in the 100m hurdles, but it only got her third. She made up for it in a big way, bouncing back the next day to run 11.09 in the 100m, sealing the overall short hurdles title in dramatic fashion.Jereem Richards took the long sprints crown with a 19.86 win in the 200m and a 44.32 season’s best in the 400m, finishing with 20 points and $100,000 to s