Zambia's Muzala Samukonga's Story From Nothing To The Olympic Podium In Paris + Signing With Grand Slam Track
21-year-old Muzala Samukonga won Zambia’s only medal at the Paris Olympics, which was the country's first since the 1996 Games in Atlanta. He rose to prominence at the 2022 Commonwealth Games when he stormed to gold in 44.66 and beat out Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith, who took silver in Paris. There isn’t a ton on the internet on Samukonga so that’s why it was nice when our very own Anderson Emerole had the chance to chat with him in Brussels just after he signed a contract to join Grand Slam Track as a 200m/400m racer in 2025. It’s life-changing money for Samukonga, who came from nothing. You’ll hear from him and his coach Douglas Kalembo on his poor beginnings and how he’s become one of the best 400m runners in the world. You can read more about Samukonga and all of the other recent Grand Slam Track Racer signings at CITIUSMAG.com SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
6 Okt 202425min
Alison Dos Santos On Earning His Second Olympic Bronze Medal In The 400m Hurdles + Joining Grand Slam Track
We actually recorded this while we were in Paris but had to keep it under wraps for a bit. This was just a few days after Alison Dos Santos earned his second Olympic bronze medal in the men’s 400m hurdles. He went on to win the 2024 Diamond League title and finished the year with a personal best of 46.29, which puts him at No. 3 on the all-time list behind Karsten Warholm and Rai Benjamin. We talk a bit about the state of the men’s 400m hurdles. His experience in Paris and his excitement around becoming the first South American athlete to sign with Grand Slam Track. He will be contesting the 400m and 400m hurdles four times per year at the four Slams in 2025 for the inaugural season of Michael Johnson’s professional track league. You can read more about Dos Santos and all of the Grand Slam Track recent signings over at CITIUSMAG.com. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
6 Okt 202419min
2:24 Marathoner Gabi Rooker Ahead Of 2024 Chicago Marathon | Olympic Trials Reflection, Progression From College Gymnast To Professional Running
"Running is for everyone and that's so important for me as a person. One of the coolest things about the marathon is you could be running on the same course as people breaking world records. You have trained differently but you have put so much of yourself into it. You're not running a marathon alone – your spouse, children, co-workers or friends know that you've been training really hard and given up a lot to make it to the start line, push through the marathon and get to the finish. That's truly really important to me...Finding running looks different for everyone." In less than four years of marathoning, Gabi Rooker has been a rising star for the U.S. Last year, she was the fourth American at the 2023 Chicago Marathon with an impressive 2:24:35 personal best. She went on to finish 19th at the U.S. Olympic Trials. With a background in competitive gymnastics, Gabi has taken to the roads super well since her marathon debut in 2021. She spent time elevating her training as part of the Dreamweaver program, which was a program created by Nike to support female athletes aiming for the Olympic Trials qualifying time of 2:37 – .all while balancing her career as a physician assistant in Minneapolis. The performance in Chicago was so good that she signed a pro contract with Nike ahead of the Olympic Trials. In this episode, we unpack her race in Orlando but also how she’s adjusted to a part-time role as a physician’s assistant and being a professional runner. She shares a bit about her training and preparation heading into Chicago and what part of her story has resonated with the masses. Time Stamps: 3:10 - How her current marathon build compares to previous builds. 4:13 - How her life changed after her breakout race at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. 6:30 - Switching to part-time work, finding an agent, signing with Nike. 9:27 - Her progression from her marathon debut in 2021. 11:25 - How Nike’s Project Dreamweaver aided her improvement. 15:29 - Her training camp in Texas prior to the 2024 Olympic Trials. 20:57 - What her race plan + expectations were heading into the Trials. 23:13 - The support she experienced while racing at the Trials. 26:13 - Biggest takeaways from the Trials. 28:22 - How being a former gymnast has helped her running career. 31:17 - Training professionally in Minnesota. 33:30 - Her race plan heading into the 2024 Chicago Marathon. 35:13 - Goals for Chicago. 36:24 - Parting messages to those who hope to follow in her footsteps. 37:41 - Being inducted into UW La Crosse’s Hall of Fame. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
4 Okt 202439min
Keeping Up with the Ingebrigtsens | Recapping 'Ingebrigtsen - Born To Run,’ Episodes 3 and 4
Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia recap the third and fourth episodes of the Ingebrigtsen brothers’ new documentary series, "Ingebrigtsen - Born To Run.” Episode 3 focused on Henrik and Filip’s families and personal development. Episode 4 explored Jakob and Josh Kerr’s rivalry and how it unfolded over the 2024 season. We wrap up with what we’re looking forward to most in episodes 5 and 6. Time Stamps: Episode 3 2:38 - The focus on Henrik and Filip’s personal development 4:50 - The toll of the brothers’ intense training 6:37 - Spotlight on Henrik’s wife 7:19 - Jakob’s season opener at Pre Classic 9:21 - The episode’s focus on family Episode 4 10:49 - Overview + Jakob vs. Josh Kerr at the Pre Classic Press Conference 14:03 - Jakob vs. Josh rivalry timeline 19:25 - Who started the rivalry? 22:42 - The problem with the rivalry 25:38 - Remainder of episode 4 + what to look forward to in next episodes Mentioned in this episode… Listen: Keeping Up with the Ingebrigtsens | Recapping 'Ingebrigtsen - Born To Run,’ Episodes 1 and 2 Read: Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs Josh Kerr Rivalry Timeline: From Budapest To Paris Watch: Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs. Josh Kerr vs. Yared Nuguse | Prefontaine Classic Bowerman Mile Press Conference Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS NEW BALANCE: Experience the perfect blend of comfort and performance with the New Balance SC Trainer v3. Ideal for marathon training, it offers a firmer, more responsive ride with enhanced cushioning. Whether it's easy runs or uptempo workouts, the SC Trainer v3 has you covered. Discover more at NewBalance.com/Running. LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
1 Okt 202428min
This Week In Track and Field: Athlos NYC Recap + Reactions | $60,000 Prize Money For Individual Winners, How It Compares To Diamond League Meets, Athlete Experience Details + More
This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia break down the first edition of the women’s-only track event, Athlos NYC. They recap the meet’s prize money structure compared to Diamond League meets and Grand Slam Track and share how Athlos may impact the pro scene in coming years. They also unpack some of the event’s unique elements, like the interactive broadcast, fashion show walk-ins, and smaller bib sizes. You can read our full Athlos recap on CITIUSMAG.com here. Time Stamps: 1:53 - Athlos overview. 3:31 - Broadcast: what made it unique + how it’s helping grow the U.S. audience for track. 9:00 - Breaking down the meet’s prize money structure. 13:13 - Diamond League responding to increased prize money from Athlos. 15:03 - How Grand Slam Track’s schedule will stack up with the DL season. 21:44 - More highlights: athlete experience, NYC ads, fashion show walk-ins. 23:31 - How Athlos is creating more track and field stars. 25:17 - Men’s vs. women’s pro contracts in track and field. 26:26 - Smaller bibs, breaking down the 100mH controversy, events recap. 30:08 - Pros and cons of hosting in Icahn Stadium. 32:53 - Parting thoughts on the first edition of Athlos. Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS NEW BALANCE: Experience the perfect blend of comfort and performance with the New Balance SC Trainer v3. Ideal for marathon training, it offers a firmer, more responsive ride with enhanced cushioning. Whether it's easy runs or uptempo workouts, the SC Trainer v3 has you covered. Discover more at NewBalance.com/Running. LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
1 Okt 202436min
2024 NCAA Cross Country Season Preview
Chris Chavez and Isaac Wood, CITIUS MAG's cross country expert and founder of The Wood Report (2012-2022), preview the 2024 NCAA cross country season. Join us for our predictions, analysis, and takeaways as the season gets underway, including: top teams and individual contenders to watch for, most improved programs, and lots more. Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Isaac Wood | @isaacew on Instagram Time Stamps: Intro: 3:33 - Roster limits + scholarship changes; Impact of conference realignment on cross country. Women's Preview: 7:28 - NC State vs. NAU for team title. 9:32 - NC State: how this year’s team compares to 2023. 13:41 - NAU: top returners, freshmen, transfers. 16:48 - Context on USTFCCCA rankings. 17:34 - Most improved teams: Gonzaga, Utah Valley, Providence. 23:00 - Teams with recent coaching changes to watch: UNC, New Mexico, Northwestern. 25:31 - Teams outside top 30 ranking to watch: Clemson, CBU. 27:21 - Podium contending teams: Notre Dame, Oregon, Washington. 30:07 - Individual title contenders. Men’s Preview: 33:29 - OSU vs. NAU for team title. 40:48 - Podium contending teams: Arkansas, Iowa State, BYU, UNC. 44:25 - Biggest step back: FSU, Tennessee; Most improved: Portland, Notre Dame, 48:15 - New to rankings: Alabama, Oregon, Washington. 52:41 - Kenyan stars from Texas Tech. 56:58 - Individual title contenders. 1:02:14 - Ranking the top finishers. 1:05:44 - Quick Nuttycombe Invite preview. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS NEW BALANCE: Experience the perfect blend of comfort and performance with the New Balance SC Trainer v3. Ideal for marathon training, it offers a firmer, more responsive ride with enhanced cushioning. Whether it's easy runs or uptempo workouts, the SC Trainer v3 has you covered. Discover more at NewBalance.com/Running. LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
24 Sep 20241h 9min
Keeping Up with the Ingebrigtsens | Recapping 'Ingebrigtsen - Born To Run, Episodes 1 and 2 '
Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia dive into the first two episodes of the Ingebrigtsen brothers’ new documentary series, "Ingebrigtsen - Born To Run.” We break down how it builds off the "Team Ingebrigtsen" YouTube series from 2016-2021, discuss the notable absence of Gjert following his abuse allegations, highlight Elisabeth’s personality, and talk details on Henrik and Philip’s storylines. We wrap up with some of our hopes and expectations for the series. Time Stamps: 6:11 - Details on “Team Ingebrigtsen” YouTube series from 2016. 10:39 - Context for new series: “Ingebrigtsen - Born To Run.” 13:23 - Gjert Ingebrigtsen absent from series + context on situation. 22:49 - Elisabeth, Jakob’s wife: role + personality in the show. 28:21 - Jakob’s car collection. 30:00 - Pace lights installed at the brothers’ training stadium for practices. 32:06 - Henrik’s storyline + role in the show. 34:31 - Father theme throughout the first two episodes. 40:33 - Key parts of episode two: training in Flagstaff. 42:04 - Filip's character development. 46:46 - Ingebrigtsen brothers’ training group structure. 52:43 - Hopes + expectations for the series. Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS NEW BALANCE: Experience the perfect blend of comfort and performance with the New Balance SC Trainer v3. Ideal for marathon training, it offers a firmer, more responsive ride with enhanced cushioning. Whether it's easy runs or uptempo workouts, the SC Trainer v3 has you covered. Discover more at NewBalance.com/Running. LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
24 Sep 202458min
This Week In Track and Field: Brussels Diamond League Highlights, Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s Surprise Half Marathon Debut, Updates On Grand Slam Track + More
This week, Anderson Emerole and Preet Majithia recap the top performances at the Brussels Diamond League Final. They discuss everything from Faith Kipyegon and Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s dominance in the 1500m races to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s standout 400m/200m double in the invite sections. Anderson and Preet also break down Jakob’s half marathon debut two days after he won the Brussels Diamond League 1500m and share a few updates on Grand Slam Track. Time Stamps: 2:49 - Behind-the-scenes at the Brussels DL: mixed zone, post-meet party. 10:40 - Analysis on SML’s 400m/200m double. 20:24 - Women’s 100m: Julien Alfred ends her season victorious. 25:34 - Men’s 1500m: rematch among top contenders. 29:35 - Recapping the rest of day one. 37:34 - Women’s 400mH: Femke Bol back on top. 41:12 - Men’s 200m: Kenny Bednarek breaks through + Letstile Tebogo’s rise to stardom. 47:21 - Recapping the rest of day two. 48:15 - Women’s 1500m: Faith Kipyegon’s dominance + what’s next for her. 54:47 - Jakob’s half marathon debut in Copenhagen. 1:02:20 - Updates on Grand Slam Track. Listen to Anderson’s interview with Grand Slam Track CEO, Michael Johnson. Hosts: Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme on Instagram Preet Majithia | prm_32 on X SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS NEW BALANCE: Experience the perfect blend of comfort and performance with the New Balance SC Trainer v3. Ideal for marathon training, it offers a firmer, more responsive ride with enhanced cushioning. Whether it's easy runs or uptempo workouts, the SC Trainer v3 has you covered. Discover more at NewBalance.com/Running. LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.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. HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST 💻 Visit CITIUSMAG.com for more podcasts, articles, videos and more. Track and field storytelling all in one place. 🎙️ Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment/follow on Spotify. 🎥 Subscribe to the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CitiusMag/
16 Sep 20241h 12min
