"Even in the first week, it's just extremely apparent that this is the perfect environment for me. We've already done workouts that would pretty much have been impossible for me before, but I think it's just having so many World Championship Olympic quality guys in a train that I can just hop into and be a part of that just really elevates every athlete. A lot of people think you become the average of the people you spend the most time around–and these guys are just the absolute best in the world"

Charles Hicks who is coming off a runner-up finish in the 10,000 meters at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where he finished right behind his Stanford teammate Ky Robinson. 

Last November, he made history as the first runner from Stanford University to win an NCAA individual cross country title. In his four years at Stanford, he has earned multiple All-American and Pac-12 honors and titles. In addition to all of the collegiate success, he is a two-time European under-23 cross country champion while representing Great Britain. 

Now, he’s ready to open a new chapter. He has decided to forego the remainder of his NCAA eligibility to turn pro, sign with Nike and join the Bowerman Track Club under coach Jerry Schumacher. 

In the latest episode of The CITIUS MAG Podcast, we discuss everything about the decision, how long he’s wanted to be a pro runner, what his hopes are for representing Team GB at global championships and the future of his YouTube channel.

Host: Chris Chavez | @Chris_J_Chavez on Instagram

Guest: Charles Hicks | @_charleshicks on Instagram

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