TEMPE, Ariz. — He’s a World Champion but, better yet, he’s a Sun Devil.
After medaling twice for Team USA (gold, 4x400m/silver, 400m) at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Peru, rising sophomore Jayden Davis is back on campus. After an incredible freshman year that saw him earn an Indoor national title, a conference title and multiple All-American honors, Davis has the talent, experience and confidence needed to up the ante in his sophomore campaign.
We caught up with him in this brief Q&A to recap his career-altering week in Peru:
How would you describe your World Championships experience and what it meant to medal twice for the US?
This World Championship was such an incredible experience for me! It was my first time ever representing Team USA, and it had always been a dream of mine. I had also never run overseas until Peru, so I’m so glad I can finally check that off my bucket list. The atmosphere of running in another country was amazing, and being there with my teammates made it even more special. Winning the two medals and becoming a world champion is something I’ll never forget.
What were your first thoughts/emotions on Saturday, Aug. 31, after winning gold in the 4×4?
I was completely overwhelmed with excitement for the entire day. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing as I held the American flag right after our victory. Standing on that track and soaking in that moment was definitely the highlight of my time in Peru. It felt surreal, and I’m so grateful that my teammates and I got to share that experience together. I was so pumped up that I couldn’t even sleep afterward; I just couldn’t wait to get home and show my parents the medals.
Since winning gold on Saturday, what has life been like for you? How many texts/messages/calls/etc. have you gotten from friends/family?
I received an incredible amount of support from my friends and family while I was in Peru, and the congratulations poured in even more when I returned with two medals. Knowing that I have a community standing by me made my experience so much easier. Their encouragement truly means the world to me.
How do you think this World Championships experience will benefit you moving forward?
This championship experience boosted my confidence even more and lit a fire within me to improve as an athlete. Competing in Peru was just the…
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