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Texas athlete aims for Olympic glory in Italy and Los Angeles

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 21:11 GMT by WDSU
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Texas Rising Star Targets Olympic Glory: Training in Italy and Los Angeles

When most people think of athletes on the road to the Olympics, the image that comes to mind is that of a grizzled veteran pounding tracks in the U.S., or a seasoned sprinter turning out world‑record times at the World Championships. Yet, just a few miles from Austin, Texas, a relatively unknown name has been quietly building a career that could put the Lone Star State on the world’s podium. The athlete in question is a 23‑year‑old middle‑distance runner who is training in Italy this winter while also honing his craft in Los Angeles in preparation for the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials in 2024.

From Texas Roots to National Dreams

Born and raised in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the athlete first made a name for himself in high school as a dominant force in the 800 m and 1500 m events. He earned state titles and broke the 4‑minute barrier in the 1500 m at the Texas State meet in 2020. The athlete was recruited by Texas A&M University, where he continued to improve his times, winning the NCAA Outdoor Championship in the 1500 m in 2022 with a time of 3:35.41. His collegiate record shows a steady rise: a 1500 m best of 3:30.92 and a 5000 m best of 13:23.55.

“It’s an incredible feeling to see how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful for every coach, teammate, and family member who’s helped me get to this point,” he told a WDSU reporter. “I want to bring Texas honor to the global stage.”

The athlete’s long‑term goal is to compete in Paris 2024, a goal that now has a new dimension thanks to his international training plans.

Why Italy?

During the offseason, the athlete has been spending most of his training time with the Società Atletica Trento club in northern Italy. The decision came after a conversation with his college coach, who recommended the club for its altitude training and seasoned Italian coaching staff. The Italian team provides a supportive, high‑altitude environment that is ideal for building aerobic capacity. “We’re training at around 1000 meters above sea level,” the athlete explained. “It’s been a game changer for my VO₂ max.”

Italy’s reputation for producing world‑class distance runners – from Mo Farah to Stefano Baldini – is well known, and the athlete has taken advantage of this heritage. He has been working with coach Giovanni Bianchi, who has been known to guide athletes like Italy’s 10,000 m Olympic bronze medalist Matteo Beretta. Bianchi’s training philosophy centers on gradual mileage increases coupled with precision interval work. “It’s all about patience and consistency,” he told WDSU. “We’re building a foundation that will keep him competitive when the trials arrive.”

The athlete’s profile on the USATF (USA Track & Field) website lists him as a “prospective elite” runner, highlighting his recent best performances, including a 1500 m time of 3:30.78 at the European Indoor Championships in Paris this winter. A link to his USATF profile provides additional context about his performance progression and training regimen.

Los Angeles: The Final Push

While Italy offers the benefits of altitude and a fresh training environment, the athlete’s ultimate goal remains the U.S. Olympic Trials, which are set to be held in Los Angeles in June 2024. Los Angeles has long been the host city for U.S. track and field’s most critical qualifiers. The city’s track facilities, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, have hosted multiple U.S. Olympic Trials in the past.

“The atmosphere in Los Angeles is electric,” the athlete remarked. “Every athlete is focused, and it’s the place where we know the competition is as tough as it gets.” He spends his time training in the Olympic training center in Culver City, which boasts a full‑length track, strength‑conditioning rooms, and state‑of‑the‑art recovery amenities. The athlete’s coach in Texas has been keeping a close eye on his progress via video footage, providing feedback on race tactics and finishing kick strategies.

The U.S. Olympic Trials in Los Angeles will feature a field of the nation’s best 1500 m runners, with the top three qualifiers earning a spot on the U.S. team for Paris. The athlete’s goal is to finish in the top three, thereby securing his place in the French capital.

Life on the Road

Training abroad and competing domestically can be challenging for any athlete, and the athlete acknowledges the mental and logistical demands. “It’s a lot of travel, balancing training, and staying focused,” he admitted. “But I have a great support system: my coaches, teammates, and family back in Texas. We keep in constant contact.”

His diet has been carefully curated by a nutritionist who focuses on a high‑carbohydrate, protein‑rich regimen to support intense training sessions. He also uses a structured recovery plan that includes ice baths, massage, and mindfulness practices to keep both body and mind in top shape.

The athlete’s social media handle, @TXRunnersDream, shows glimpses of his life in Italy: sunrise runs in the Dolomites, midday strength sessions, and evening rides along the Italian coast. His Instagram stories also feature motivational posts that inspire aspiring athletes in Texas and beyond.

The Bigger Picture

The athlete’s journey is more than a personal ambition; it reflects a growing trend among American athletes who are turning to international training for a competitive edge. With the U.S. Olympic Trials in Los Angeles serving as the decisive battleground, the athlete’s dual training locations – Italy and California – position him well to face the best in the world.

When asked about what he hopes to achieve, the athlete said, “I want to carry Texas pride into every race, and if I can bring home an Olympic medal, I know I’ve made our state proud.” Whether that medal will be gold, silver, or bronze, his commitment to excellence is unmistakable.

Looking Ahead

With the U.S. Olympic Trials approaching in June, the athlete will be in peak form in Los Angeles, ready to test his limits against the nation’s finest. Whether he can translate his Italian training gains into victory on the U.S. track remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Texas runner is ready to give his all, bringing a fresh chapter of Olympic hope to both his home state and the global track community.

(For more updates on the athlete’s progress, follow his profile on USATF or check his Instagram @TXRunnersDream. The U.S. Olympic Trials schedule and official results are available through the USATF website.)