Dalilah Muhammad, the 35-year-old American Olympic and world champion in the 400m hurdles, is calling it a career after the 2025 season. Muhammad is an extraordinary competitor, renowned for shattering records and performing at the highest levels. She had previously won gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won a second gold medal in the 4x400m relay at the 2020 Tokyo Games. She went on to win a silver medal in the 400m hurdles the same Olympics.
As Muhammad prepares for the next chapter of her life, she expressed enthusiasm for fellow athlete Faith Kipyegon’s upcoming attempt to break the four-minute barrier in the women’s mile. Kipyegon, 31, a triple Olympic and world champion at 1,500m, has challenged the current parameters of the distance. She’ll attempt her piece of history on June 26 at Stade Charlety in Paris.
Career Highlights and Future Plans
Her illustrious career has established Dalilah Muhammad as a world record-setting athlete and champion. Aside from her Olympic successes, she serves as the International Event Ambassador for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, highlighting her commitment to the sport beyond her competitive years.
This has been made certain by Muhammad herself, due to announcements that she will not be returning for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. With this statement her time on the competitive track comes to an unequivocal end. Still, she is hopeful and is very optimistic, and age should not be a limitation for athletes who are pursuing their dreams.
“For myself at 35, I feel almost better than ever. There’s no slowing down. We have to do things a little bit differently, but it can get done.” – Dalilah Muhammad
Muhammad’s take on age in sports is an invigorating change to hear. She has a powerful message to share, which is that with the right mindset and determination, incredible things are still possible no matter how old you are.
“I think if you have the will and the drive, it’s definitely possible. So, at 31, that’s amazing for her (Kipyegon).” – Dalilah Muhammad
Faith Kipyegon’s Historic Attempt
Faith Kipyegon will attempt to achieve the first unofficial sub-four minute mile for women as part of Nike’s “Breaking 4” project. This effort has sparked enthusiasm and hope among the athletics community. Kipyegon broke her own 1,500m world record at last year’s Stade Charlety. This incredible victory only solidifies her legacy as one of the greatest, most dominant runners of all time.
Dalilah Muhammad expressed admiration for Kipyegon’s ambition. She stressed the significance of seeing these efforts come to pass in her lifetime. She reflected on how the frontiers of women’s sports only seem to get wider.
“She’s run, I think 4:07, which we were looking at as crazy. I’m just really, truly excited for where the bounds for women can go in the sport and to just hear a woman trying to break four minutes in my lifetime is amazing.” – Dalilah Muhammad
Muhammad’s response encapsulates the spirit of encouragement that many athletes offer each other, aiming to uplift and inspire future generations.
The Importance of Advocacy in Sports
Beyond her athletic achievements, Muhammad is a powerful voice for social change in sports. While at the Council she has spoken up about the procedures around gender testing and how it can affect athletes psychologically. Her advocacy shines a timely and necessary spotlight on issues in athletics that otherwise go underreported or ignored.
“After hearing some women’s stories like Caster Semenya’s, it’s just how invasive some of these procedures can be and just how kind of traumatizing it can be.” – Dalilah Muhammad
As she nears retirement, Muhammad remains committed to these movements even as she celebrates the accomplishments of her contemporaries.
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