Former world champion, American record holder, and the longtime face of U.S. middle-distance running, Donavan Brazier, made a stunning return to the track this past weekend in Nashville.
After nearly three years out of competition, Brazier clocked a blazing 1:44.70 in the men’s 800 meters. A time that not only signaled his comeback but also sent a message to his doubters.
“I did it for the people that counted me out,” Brazier said in a podcast with Citius mag. “I know there’s a lot of people that still support me, but I definitely did it for the people that stopped believing in me.”
It was Brazier’s first true 800-meter race since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In the time since, he’s endured three surgeries and a long, painful road to recovery. From nerve issues in his foot to a torn Achilles, his body had almost completely broken down.
How he adapted
Furthermore, he opened up about the emotional and physical toll the last few years have taken on him.
“I had to re-learn how to run,” he said. “There were moments I didn’t think I’d ever get back on the track. But I just kept grinding. This comeback wasn’t about proving myself to the fans , it was about proving to myself that I still belong.”
His longtime training partner and friend, Craig Engels, in the earlier interviews, didn’t hide his pride. “People don’t understand what Donavan went through,” Engels said. “Three surgeries, barely being able to walk, constant setbacks and now here he is, dropping a 1:44. That’s not normal. That’s greatness.”
At just 28 years old, Donavan Brazier already has a World Championship gold (2019) and the American record (1:42.34) to his name.
“It’s not just about being fast again,” Brazier said. “It’s about showing I’m still here. And I’m not done yet.”