Morolake Akinosun Reflects On Track Career And Elite Invite

Nov 26, 2024

2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Morolake Akinosun joined us for an interview to reflect on her athletics career, following her recently announced retirement, and to look ahead to the 2025 Akinosun Elite Invitational, which is scheduled for Sunday, January 12th at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Now residing in the Los Angeles area, Akinosun was originally a Windy City native and a 2012 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School.

Following stops during her college tenure at the University of Illinois and the University of Texas, Akinosun embarked on a long and successful professional career, which included regular appearances for Team USA.

Now entering its fifth edition, Akinosun has prioritized giving back to her home community by staging an elite level high school track meet every January.

We showcased what athletes should be excited about for the meet's upcoming installment and we debriefed on Akinonsun's new appointment as Head of Athlete Relations for the Grand Slam Track league plus much more.

Time Stamps

0:00 - Interview Intro
0:50 - How meet preparations are coming along and what the athletes can expect
2:00 - Morolake reviewing the evolution and growth of the meet over the years
3:25 - Comments on newer events that have been included in the Elite Invite package
4:25 - Strategic plans to have continued growth as the meet matures in years to come
6:50 - Highlighting why now was the right time to retire from the competitive side of track
8:10 - The willingness to continue to give to the competitive aspect of racing track
9:20 - Reflecting on career highlights at the professional level
10:35 - Naming her all-time favorite venues and stadiums to compete at
11:55 - Coaches and teammates who were instrumental in elevating Morolake's career
13:50 - Talking about how the Grand Slam Track opportunity came together
15:40 - Stakeholders who have contributed to making the Akinosun Invite a success
18:15 - Explaining how the athletes will be provided with the best experience possible
19:05 - Interview Close