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 4x4?
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 beginning, and I'm determined to make another national team.
What is your main takeaway from your freshman season?
I learned to embrace the journey and the hardships instead of just zeroing in on the end results. I view every practice, challenge, and setback as a part of my growth as an athlete. It's all about enjoying the ride, even if it gets bumpy.
WORLD CHAMPION, JAYDEN DAVIS ??
— Sun Devil Track and Field/XC (@SunDevilTFXC) September 1, 2024
Jayden was the first leg on Team USA's Men's 4x400 relay that won in 3:03.56 ??#ForksUp /// #O2V ?? pic.twitter.com/wXP615awfe
GET TO KNOW JAYDEN DAVIS
Davis, a local product from Gilbert, Arizona, is starting to become a household name in collegiate track and field. He's now an NCAA champion, a conference champion and a two-time medalist at the World Championships.
He posted the top times in each of the first two days in the 400m heats before becoming the runner-up in the final to South Africa's Udeme Okon (45.69).
JAYDEN DAVIS' ASU CAREER AT A GLANCE
From Gilbert, Arizona, Jayden Davis proved to be an elite talent in just his rookie year for the Sun Devils, culminating with a gold medal in Peru on August 31. His resume is nothing short of incredible heading into year two in Tempe:
NCAA Indoor Champion (2024, 4x400 relay)
First-Team Indoor All-American (2024, 4x400 relay)
First-Team Outdoor All-American (2024, 4x400 relay)
2024 Pac-12 Champion (2024, 4x400 relay)
U-20 World Athletics Championships Gold Medalist (2024, 4x400)
U-20 World Athletics Championships Silver Medalist (2024, 400m)
Fastest 4x400 in Men's Indoor team history – Justin Robinson, Kaleb Simpson, Jayden Davis, Gamali Felix (3:02.35)
Fourth-fastest 4x400 in Men's Outdoor team history – Jayden Davis, Justin Robinson, Kaleb Simpson, Gamali Felix (3:00.87)
MORE ON JAYDEN DAVIS
Davis Takes Silver in 400m Final at U20 World Athletics Championships (TheSunDevils.com, August 29, 2024)
Davis-Simpson-Ramey-Felix Close Pac-12 Championships with Men's 4x400 Relay Title (TheSunDevils.com, May 12, 2024)
Mountain Pointe sprinter Jayden Davis born to run, breaks Arizona track record (Richard Obert/Arizona Republic, April 15, 2023)
Mountain Pointe sprinter Jayden Davis breaks Arizona track record (Arizona Republic/April 14, 2023)