Matthew Centrowitz

He won Olympic gold in 2016, more with his brain, not his legs—and the running world never forgot it. 

Matthew Centrowitz Jr., the only American man to win Olympic 1,500m gold since Mel Sheppard in 1908, sits down with The Running Effect for a wide-open conversation about what it took to become the most decorated American miler of his generation.

From his 2011 NCAA title at Oregon to three World Championship medals, five national outdoor crowns, and that unforgettable Rio final—Centro built a decade-long résumé that no American middle-distance runner has touched. His 3:30.40 PR at Monaco still stands as the benchmark. His tactical IQ was something no training plan could manufacture.

This is a conversation about how you build a career like that—the coaching systems, the rivals, the near-misses, and the one race that made it all permanent. 

From Alberto Salazar's Oregon Project to the Bowerman Track Club under Jerry Schumacher, Centro navigated the highest-pressure environments in American distance running and came out the other side with gold.

We want to know what it actually felt like to sit in a field of the world's best 1,500m runners and know—before the bell—that you had already won. And how a decade of that kind of focus shapes a man long after the spikes come off.

The legend of Centro, here at The Running Effect.

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"We’ll see what happens. We’ll all find out on Sunday.”

A brief chat with Keira D'Amato, Emma Bates and Sara Hall before the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

Unfortunately did not have the time to catch Betsy Saina.

From our race preview on CITIUSMAG.com: The American showdown may become a chase for Emily Sisson’s American record, as three of the five fastest women in U.S. history will be on the start line alongside 2021 Chicago runner-up Emma Bates, Chavez’s pick to take down the record. Keira D’Amato, who held this record for just under nine months in 2022, will be racing 26.2 miles for the first time since moving to Utah to train with coach Ed Eyestone. We won’t know until Sunday exactly what her and Eyestone’s race plan looks like, but don’t be surprised if she’s in the mix for the top American crown.

2024 U.S. leader Betsy Saina, whose fifth-place finish in Tokyo in 2:19:17 was a huge leap forward, figures to be a prominent player as well. 2016 Olympic 1500m champion Matthew Centrowitz is set to be pacing this pack as they go after 2:18:29, so that will be something to keep an eye on even if the leaders are well ahead.

Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia preview the top athletes to watch for at the 2024 edition of the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 13th. We break down the men’s and women’s elite fields, the top Americans to keep an eye on, and why the women’s American marathon record may be under threat. 

Hosts:

Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X

Time Stamps:

0:56 - Recap of the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

4:32 - Biggest marathon successes throughout the fall of 2023.  

7:06 - Women’s elite field preview.

15:02 - Elite American women preview.

23:16 - Context on pre-race interviews with elite marathoners.

25:50 - Matthew Centrowitz pacing the women’s American record. 

29:14 - Men’s elite field preview.

35:35 - Elite American men preview.

38:53 - Parting thoughts on the Chicago Marathon.

Mentioned in this episode…

Listen: Betsy Saina’s episode on the CITIUS MAG Podcast after she ran 2:19:17 at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

Read: Keira D’Amato and Matthew Centrowtiz training together to prepare for D’Amato’s American record attempt in Chicago.

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Matthew Centrowitz joins the CITIUS MAG crew to unpack an insane day of track and field. Here are the biggest highlights from Day 4 of the U.S. Olympic Trials include:

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CITIUS MAG LIVE From Eugene! will bring you daily interviews with athletes, coaches and notable folks in town at noon PT each day. Our guests for day three of the Olympic Trials include Nico Young, Payton Otterdahl, Kendall Ellis, and Matthew Wilkinson. 

LIVE SHOWS

Good Morning Track and Field will start your day with some takes and updates from Eugene hosted by Eric Jenkins, Mitch Dyer and Karen Lesiewicz at 8:30 a.m. PT.

TRIALS TALK – our hit daily podcast series from 2021 – returns on The CITIUS MAG Podcast feed + streaming live immediately post-race to unpack all of the action immediately following the meet.

LIVE MEET COVERAGE

Stay updated on live results, mixed zone interviews and more on the CITIUS MAG Instagram, X and Threads pages while the meet is underway each evening. All interviews will be uploaded to our aforementioned YouTube channel.

MORNING RUNS

CITIUS MAG and New Balance will be hosting group runs on Sunday, June 23rd at 8 a.m. ET; Tuesday, June 25th at 8 a.m. and Saturday, June 29th at 7:30 a.m. Come on by to our pop-up next to Prince Puckler’s Ice Cream shop to meet for some easy morning miles.

All paces are welcome. We’ll be giving away shirts, hats and more. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to try all of the latest and greatest from New Balance. We’ll also have Olipop, coffee, games and cold plunges to enjoy afterward.

Also, CITIUS MAG Newsletter subscribers will be getting daily emails from the Trials as David Melly rounds up all of the biggest results, stories + our best interviews, photos and original content from Eugene. If you want to hook a friend, there’s no better time than the Trials so forward them the emails or encourage them to sign up today for FREE here: https://citiusmag.beehiiv.com/

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👟 NEW BALANCE: New Balance celebrates runners of all levels and styles. They believe there’s no single ‘right’ way to run - just your way. If you run, no matter the distance, pace or frequency, you’re a runner. New Balance, Run your way. NewBalance.com/Running

The CITIUS MAG team dives into another exciting day of track and field from the second day of the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Some of today’s top highlights include: 

– Women’s 100m final: Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning World champ, will be representing Team USA in Paris after winning the Olympic Trials 100m final in 10.71.

– Women’s 100m final: Melissa Jefferson ran a personal best of 10.80 to take the second spot and TeeTee Terry posted a season’s best of 10.89 to round out the podium. All three are Star Athletics training partners!

– Men’s shot put final: Ryan Crouser opened his season with his 5th straight national title. He had four throws over 22.40m with a best of 22.84m. 

– Men’s 1500m semifinal: Yared Nuguse led the way for all qualifiers in the second 1500m semi, tying Matthew Centrowitz’s 2016 Trials record with his 3:34.09 heat-winning time.

– Men’s 100m 1st round: Noah Lyles won the first round of the 100m, cruising to a heat win in 9.92.

+ More

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CITIUS MAG LIVE From Eugene! will bring you daily interviews with athletes, coaches and notable folks in town at noon PT each day. Our guests for day two of the Olympic Trials include Brittney Reese, Lex + Leo Young, Conner Mantz, Drew Hunter, and Mark Coogan.

LIVE SHOWS

Good Morning Track and Field will start your day with some takes and updates from Eugene hosted by Eric Jenkins, Mitch Dyer and Karen Lesiewicz at 8:30 a.m. PT.

TRIALS TALK – our hit daily podcast series from 2021 – returns on The CITIUS MAG Podcast feed + streaming live immediately post-race to unpack all of the action immediately following the meet.

LIVE MEET COVERAGE

Stay updated on live results, mixed zone interviews and more on the CITIUS MAG Instagram, X and Threads pages while the meet is underway each evening. All interviews will be uploaded to our aforementioned YouTube channel.

MORNING RUNS

CITIUS MAG and New Balance will be hosting group runs on Sunday, June 23rd at 8 a.m. ET; Tuesday, June 25th at 8 a.m. and Saturday, June 29th at 7:30 a.m. Come on by to our pop-up next to Prince Puckler’s Ice Cream shop to meet for some easy morning miles.

All paces are welcome. We’ll be giving away shirts, hats and more. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to try all of the latest and greatest from New Balance. We’ll also have Olipop, coffee, games and cold plunges to enjoy afterward.

Also, CITIUS MAG Newsletter subscribers will be getting daily emails from the Trials as David Melly rounds up all of the biggest results, stories + our best interviews, photos and original content from Eugene. If you want to hook a friend, there’s no better time than the Trials so forward them the emails or encourage them to sign up today for FREE here: https://citiusmag.beehiiv.com/

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

👟 NEW BALANCE: Discover the ultimate running shoe: Fresh Foam X 1080. With unbeatable comfort and top-tier performance, it's perfect for any occasion, from daily runs to races. Its innovative design includes Fresh Foam X midsole for seamless transitions and a breathable, supportive mesh upper. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit ⁠NewBalance.com/Running⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“He was the alternate on our distance medley for NCAAs. He’s come a long way. He reminds me of that everyday — how he was the alternate and now he’s the NCAA champion.”

Vin Lananna, USATF President + Director of track and field and cross country at the University of Virginia, shares about 800m NCAA champion Shane Cohen’s progression over the last year and what’s got him excited about the state of track and field in America. Plus, Vin shares a fun story about 1500m Olympic gold medalist Matthew Centrowitz. Hear more from Vin in this episode of the CITIUS MAG Podcast.

CITIUS MAG LIVE From Eugene! will bring you daily interviews with athletes, coaches and notable folks in town at noon PT. Our guests for day one of the Olympic Trials include Vin Lananna, Matt James, Dylan Beard, and Manteo Mitchell.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: Vin Lananna | @vinlananna on Instagram

We’re popping up with New Balance live from Eugene for the most thrilling 10 days of track and field in America. We’re servin’ track and field scoops with our coverage. Catch us at the CITIUS MAG Scoop (presented by New Balance) pop-up right next to Prince Puckler’s Ice Cream at 19th Avenue and Agate Street – just a two-minute walk from Hayward Field.

We’re hosting three shows a day on the CITIUS MAG YouTube channel. You’ll be able to find many of the shows under our “Live” tab on our channel.

LIVE SHOWS

Good Morning Track and Field will start your day with some takes and updates from Eugene hosted by Eric Jenkins, Mitch Dyer and Karen Lesiewicz at 8:30 a.m. PT.

TRIALS TALK – our hit daily podcast series from 2021 – returns on The CITIUS MAG Podcast feed + streaming live immediately post-race to unpack all of the action immediately following the meet.

LIVE MEET COVERAGE

Stay updated on live results, mixed zone interviews and more on the CITIUS MAG Instagram, X and Threads pages while the meet is underway each evening. All interviews will be uploaded to our aforementioned YouTube channel.

MORNING RUNS

CITIUS MAG and New Balance will be hosting group runs on Sunday, June 23rd at 8 a.m. ET; Tuesday, June 25th at 8 a.m. and Saturday, June 29th at 7:30 a.m. Come on by to our pop-up next to Prince Puckler’s Ice Cream shop to meet for some easy morning miles.

All paces are welcome. We’ll be giving away shirts, hats and more. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to try all of the latest and greatest from New Balance. We’ll also have Olipop, coffee, games and cold plunges to enjoy afterward.

Also, CITIUS MAG Newsletter subscribers will be getting daily emails from the Trials as David Melly rounds up all of the biggest results, stories + our best interviews, photos and original content from Eugene. If you want to hook a friend, there’s no better time than the Trials so forward them the emails or encourage them to sign up today for FREE here: https://citiusmag.beehiiv.com/

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

👟 NEW BALANCE: Discover the ultimate running shoe: Fresh Foam X 1080. With unbeatable comfort and top-tier performance, it's perfect for any occasion, from daily runs to races. Its innovative design includes Fresh Foam X midsole for seamless transitions and a breathable, supportive mesh upper. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit NewBalance.com/Running⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you to Ketone-IQ and Pillar Performance for sponsoring this episode of The Action.

For 30% Off Ketone-IQ use code SWEATELITE at checkout https://ketone.com/SWEATELITE

To score 15% off your first order at Pillar Performance, use code: SWEAT15 at https://pillarperformance.shop/ and for North Americans at https://thefeed.com/products/pillar-performance

 

Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to The Action: A Recap of Last Week's Running Events
• 01:03 Sponsor Shoutouts: Ketone IQ and Pillar Performance
• 02:41 Track Rivalries Heat Up: Jakob vs. Josh Kerr
• 06:01 The Excitement of the Men's 1500m: A Deep Dive
• 11:08 USATF's Decision Reversal: A Win for Athletes
• 14:48 Olympic Dreams in Jeopardy: The Universality Places Dilemma
• 20:47 Kipchoge's Personal Struggles and Speculations
• 28:48 Matthew Centrowitz's Comeback: A Glimpse of Hope
• 31:15 Athlete Performance and Olympic Team Prospects
• 31:46 The Controversial Character in Sports
• 32:02 Olympic Team Selection Dynamics
• 32:37 Analyzing Competitor Performances
• 35:43 Injury News and Its Impact
• 37:09 The Challenge of Injuries in Running
• 38:28 Upcoming Diamond League and Track Fest Highlights
• 50:21 Sound Running Track Festival Preview
• 59:59 Final Thoughts and Sponsor Shoutouts

Kevin and Gordon discuss the future of Matthew Centrowitz after knee surgery, preview the Prefontaine Classic and analyze the longevity of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Merber and Chris Chavez return to host our first CITIUS MAG Live postgame show called After The Final Lap.  With the NFL, NBA or MLB, you tune in to the game and afterward, you hear more from the athletes and coaches and get some fresh takes and thoughts from analysts about what you just saw. We’re bringing that to you in a fun show.

For the Millrose Games, we were joined by a surprise guest host: 2016 Olympic gold medalist Matthew Centrowitz. Guests for the show include On Athletics coach Dathan Ritzenhein, men's Wanamaker mile champion Olli Hoare, men's 3000m winner Geordie Beamish, women's Wanamaker mile runner-up Josette Norris and NCAA cross country champion Conner Mantz.

Kick back for a fun hour of banter! 

(For those listening in the car or at home with their kids, there is some explicit language in this episode. Thanks for that Olli.)

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At 20 years old, Cole Hocker has put himself atop the United States middle distance scene. I profiled him for Sports Illustrated last July after he outkicked reigning Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz for the win in the men’s 1,500 meter final at the U.S. Olympic Trials – which was one of my favorite races to watch of the whole trials. Hocker’s finishing speed is world-class. He went on to run 3:31.40 for sixth place in the Olympic 1,500 meter final. 

In September, he signed a professional contract with Nike and now sets his sights on his first professional indoor season, which includes headlining the men’s 3,000 meters at the Millrose Games. In this episode, we discuss his plans for the new year, the decision to turn professional after just one full NCAA campaign at Oregon, thoughts on American records and much more.

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