How Caleb Dean DM’ed His Way Into Grand Slam Track | 2024 Reflections, Transitioning To Pro Running, Why He Changed Coaches, Building Confidence

“Being able to build off that 2023 year and have momentum going into 2024 is what created all those PRs, created all those achievements. It's like, ‘I did it this year – why can't I do it again?’ That was my mindset going into 2024. I'm trying to reach bigger goals in 2025 as well.”

My guest for today's episode is Caleb Dean, one of the most electrifying athletes in collegiate track and field. If you're listening to this when it gets released on Thursday morning, he's also a finalist for the Bowerman, which is the highest honor in college track and field. It's like the Heisman Trophy. The award ceremony is tonight. Caleb is one of three finalists, so in a couple of hours you'll find out whether or not he wins.

He had a remarkable 2024 season, earning the title of USTFCCCA Men's National Track Athlete of the Year and also made history as the first Division One male to win both the 60m hurdles indoors and the 400m hurdles outdoors in the same year.

At the NCAA Outdoor Championships, he delivered a jaw-dropping 47.23 in the 400m hurdles, which is the second-fastest time in NCAA history and the 11th fastest in the world all-time. He ended up finishing the year No. 4 in the world.

Unfortunately, he did not qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in the 400m hurdles after clipping a hurdle and falling in the race. He had to stay home and watch the race. We talked a little bit about that in this episode. He managed to pull all this off after battling injuries for much of the outdoor season, making his resilience and his ability to peak when it all counts even more impressive.

We also have some news to share in this episode: he has signed on as the final racer for Grand Slam Track’s 400m and 400m hurdles group. He'll be committed to racing in Miami, Kingston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles at the four slams next year. He shot his shot: he DM'ed CITIUS MAG, he DM'ed Kyle Merber, and he DM'ed Grand Slam Track looking for a spot in the new professional track league. And guess what? He got it. So shoot your shot, kids.

With his sights set on 2025, it's going to be a hard year to top 2024, but I'm optimistic after this conversation with Caleb.

Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Caleb Dean | @caleeb_dean on Instagram

Time stamps:

3:53 - His recent move to Florida

4:38 - Reflections on his 2024 season

5:42 - Excitement for joining Grand Slam Track

7:43 - What led to his improvement this year 

9:36 - Thoughts on racing the 400m

14:40 - How the 400m helps with the 400m hurdles

16:49 - On redeeming himself after not making the Olympic team

18:21 - How he’s built his speed 

19:13 - Why he made a coaching change 

20:27 - Building his confidence 

21:42 - Transitioning from college to pro track

22:43 - Goals for 2025

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