From Being Told I May Never Run Again to Chasing the Olympics Again

There was a point in this journey when running again didn't feel realistic.

Now, I'm talking about chasing the world stage again.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Amy Silvis on the Secrets to Abundant Living Podcast and share the full story behind my comeback, the parts that people don't always see when they watch a 10-second race.

Watch the full conversation below:

From the Highest Point to Starting Over

A few years ago, my life looked completely different.

I had competed in the Olympics, won an NCAA championship, and run 9.86 seconds in the 100 meters. Track had taken me places I had dreamed about since I was young.

Then injuries changed everything.

What started as a knee problem eventually became three knee surgeries. During that same period, I also underwent two eye surgeries.

When I arrived at USC, an evaluation of my knee led to another surgery only weeks after getting to campus. Eventually, I traveled to Chicago to see a specialist, and the conversation became much more serious.

I was told there was a possibility I might never run again.

At that point, running fast wasn't even the priority.

I wanted to be able to run, jump, and move without constant pain.

The Part Nobody Sees

Coming back hasn't simply meant going to practice every day.

For months, my schedule looked something like this:

And my job at a car auction regularly had me walking 8 to 10 miles a day while I was still trying to rebuild my knee. I maintained versions of this schedule for roughly three and a half to four months.

There were no guarantees that any of it would lead me back to competition.

For the first several months, progress was extremely slow. There were times when my pain was a 10 out of 10 and I questioned whether all of the work would ever translate into running again.

Then things slowly started changing.

I could squat again.

I could jump again.

Eventually, I could sprint again.

10.12 Changed Everything

Then came the moment I had been working toward.

After more than three years away from official competition, I stepped onto a track in Los Angeles and raced again.

I ran 10.12 seconds in the 100 meters.

My personal best is 9.86, so I know there is still a significant gap between where I am and where I ultimately want to be.

But 10.12 meant something completely different to me.

I had only recently returned to serious training. I was still working full-time. I was waking up at 5:00 in the morning. I was still managing my rehab.

And I hadn't raced in three years.

That race changed the way I looked at what might still be possible.

For a long time, the question was:

Can I ever run again?

Now the question has become:

How fast can I become again?

Why I'm Sharing This Story

One of the biggest things I've learned through this experience is patience.

Before these injuries, waiting three years for something would have been extremely difficult for me. This journey forced me to understand that progress doesn't always happen on the timeline we want.

Sometimes you have to keep working before you have any evidence that the work is paying off.

I also understand my purpose in the sport differently now.

Before, I wanted to be great because I wanted to win.

I still want to win.

But now I want this comeback to represent something bigger.

I want someone going through an injury, setback, career change, or difficult period in life to be able to look at this journey and realize that where you are today doesn't have to determine where you finish.

The Next Chapter

Getting back on the track was step one.

Now I want to find out how far I can take this.

My goal is to return to world-class competition and ultimately put myself in position to compete for another Olympic opportunity at LA 2028.

But competing at that level requires resources.

Right now, I am helping fund my own training, coaching, rehabilitation, recovery, massage, travel, competition expenses, and other costs that come with being an elite athlete.

That's why I've started sharing more of this journey.

I'm not asking anyone to believe in something I'm unwilling to work for.

I'm already doing the work.

I'm asking for support that can help me put more time, recovery, and resources into that work, and see how far this comeback can go.

Be Part of the Comeback

If you watched the podcast, shared my story, donated, supported me at a race, sent me a message, or simply encouraged me along the way, thank you.

Every form of support matters.

If you're in a position to contribute, donations help directly support my rehabilitation, recovery, training, travel, and competition expenses as I continue pursuing this comeback.

If donating isn't possible, sharing my story with someone who might connect with it can be just as meaningful.

"Three years ago, I didn't know if I would ever run again. Today, I'm chasing world-class speed again. The story isn't finished."