“It’s cool to see one of your dreams come true. I remember one meeting we had in high school where my coach was saying how he'd never coached a professional runner. And then he turned to me and was like, ‘Yet.’ So that was the first time I was like, ‘OK, someone believes that I can make it happen’. It's been really cool over the past few years chasing this dream and finally having it come true.”

My guest for today’s episode is NC State’s Katelyn Tuohy, who has decided to forego the remainder of her NCAA eligibility to turn professional and has signed a contract with adidas, she told CITIUS MAG in an exclusive interview before her announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

Ahead of the Olympic year, Tuohy plans to remain under the guidance of NC State coach Laurie Henes and may split time between Raleigh, North Carolina, and a possible training stint in Flagstaff, Arizona, to train at altitude for the first time in her career.

Last month, Tuohy wrapped up one of the most decorated NCAA careers by a distance runner with four individual NCAA titles; three NCAA cross country team titles; three NCAA records, 11 All-American titles, and five SEC championships.

Despite her long list of credentials, Tuohy is still only 21 years old. In 2022, she became one of the first collegiate cross country runners to sign an NIL deal - also with adidas - and has amassed a sizable fandom that includes over 100,000 followers on Instagram.

At the most recent U.S. championships, she finished 7th in the 5000m, the top collegian in the event. If Tuohy achieves the qualifying standard (14:52.00) and finishes in the top three of the upcoming U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials next June, she could become the youngest woman to make the U.S. Olympic team in the 5000m.

In this episode, we talk all about the decision to turn pro and what she’s looking forward to most. She reflects on her Wolfpack career and opens up a bit about what it’s been like being in the spotlight from a high school star to now.

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