The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

“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 jump, is just as magnetic off the runway as she is on it. Hunter, a three-time Paralympian and five-time medalist, just captured his first gold in the 400m T62 in Paris and has been pushing the limits of what's possible in adaptive sport since day one.

In this episode, we chat about what they're building beyond the medals and what's next for two of the sport's most compelling athletes to follow up an astounding 2024.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guests: Tara Davis-Woodhall | _tarraa_ on Instagram + Hunter Woodhall on Instagram

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GRAND SLAM TRACK: This isn't your average track meet. This is Grand Slam Track, where legends are made, records fall, and the stakes are high. After a sellout crowd in Miami and $100,000 awarded to each Slam champion, the league now heads to one of the most iconic stages in American track: Franklin Field in Philadelphia, May 30th-June 1st. Grab your tickets now at GrandSlamTrack.com and witness it all packed into one unforgettable weekend. Grand Slam Track: bigger stakes, bigger stars, and a fan experience that hits different.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

“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’t always been smooth sailing. He’s battled injuries, coaching changes, and the highs and lows that come with being one of the best in a brutal event. And now, after a career that spanned over a decade at the professional level — Clayton is here to reflect on what it meant, how he made peace with the decision, and what’s next.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: 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, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders.

GRAND SLAM TRACK: This isn't your average track meet. This is Grand Slam Track, where legends are made, records fall, and the stakes are high. After a sellout crowd in Miami and $100,000 awarded to each Slam champion, the league now heads to one of the most iconic stages in American track: Franklin Field in Philadelphia, May 30th-June 1st. Grab your tickets now at GrandSlamTrack.com and witness it all packed into one unforgettable weekend. Grand Slam Track: bigger stakes, bigger stars, and a fan experience that hits different.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. The super-soft, adjustable uppers allow for a customized fit across your forefoot, while the moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

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 — sweeping the Men’s Short Hurdles group. Grant Fisher redeemed a tough loss Friday with a bold move in the 5000m, running away from the field in 13:40.32 to win the Men’s Long Distance title.

In the women’s 3000m, Hirut Meshesha had the best kick, but it was Agnes Ngetich who held on for third — enough to lock in the Slam Championship for Women’s Long Distance. And in the Women’s Short Distance group, Freweyni Hailu’s third-place finish in the 800m sealed the deal for her title, holding off a hard-charging Nikki Hiltz.

With big performances, breakout moments, and high-stakes drama, Miami’s finale was one for the books. Tune in as we break it all down.

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 show for it.

From comebacks and personal bests to tight title races, Day 2 in Miami delivered—and the momentum is only building.

Catch all the highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from Grand Slam Track: Miami as the action continues tomorrow for Day 3. Subscribe, follow, and don’t miss a second.

The second Grand Slam Track meet of 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion under the lights in Miramar, Florida—and right out of the gate, history was made.

Masai Russell stole the show, blazing to a 12.17 in the 100m hurdles to break the American record and move to #2 on the all-time list. She edged fellow American Tia Jones by just two-hundredths, with Jones jumping to #3 all-time in the process. That head-to-head thriller was just one of many standout performances on a night packed with fireworks: two national records, two world leads, and a wave of personal bests.

In the men’s 200m, Jereem Richards dipped back under 20 seconds for the first time in two years, clocking 19.86 to edge Alexander Ogando in a photo finish. Ogando’s runner-up finish came with a silver lining—a new Dominican national record. Marileidy Paulino kept the momentum going with a hard-fought win over Salwa Eid Naser in the women’s 400m, stopping the clock at a season-best 49.21.

Alison dos Santos continued his unbeaten streak in the men’s 400m hurdles with a dominant 47.97, while American sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden scorched the track with a wind-aided 10.75 in the women’s 100m.

Distance fans weren’t left out either. World champion Josh Kerr made a statement in the 1500m, outkicking Olympic medalists Yared Nuguse and Cole Hocker in a confident, emotional win in 3:34.51. Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran shocked the field in the men’s 3000m, upsetting defending champ Grant Fisher. And Agnes Ngetich, fresh off her 10K world record, was untouchable in the 5000m, running a world-leading 14:25.80.

From wire-to-wire battles to all-time performances, Night 1 in Miramar delivered—and set the stage for a weekend of unforgettable action.

Catch all the highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes coverage from Grand Slam Track all weekend long. Make sure to subscribe and follow along.