From Gabby Thomas to Julius Yego, these eleven track and field stars have proven that brains and athleticism go hand in hand! Check out the most educated athletes in the sport.
Balancing academics and professional athletics can be very challenging. In many cases, athletes opt to focus on their careers instead of education, but there are a few exceptions who have managed to excel both on the track and in class.
These athletes have pursued higher education while dominating the track, proving that intelligence and athleticism go hand in hand.
In this article, Pulse Sports looks at some of the most educated track and field athletes who have achieved remarkable success in both fields.
The most educated track and field athletes who excelled both academically and athletically
1) Gabby Thomas
Gabby Thomas among the most educated track and field athletes. Image source: Imago
Gabby Thomas would have undoubtedly made the list of athletes who brag about having struck a balance between education and athletics.
The triple Olympic champion graduated from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology, a rigorous field that demands intense focus and study.
Despite the sacrifices she had to make to graduate from Harvard, Gabby Thomas did not stop there and proceeded to earn a master’s degree in public health at the University of Texas.
)
Gabby Thomas is gearing up for an action packed season after a stellar 2024 campaign.
On the track, she has showcased the same resilience, winning multiple World Championships and Olympic medals. At the Paris Olympic Games, she won gold medals in the 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
Her ability to balance world-class sprinting with a highly demanding academic path is truly inspiring.
2) Christine Ohuruogu
)
The most educated track and field athletes. Image source: Imago
The British sprinting legend is not only known for her track exploits but also for her love for education. The former Olympic 400m champion earned a degree in linguistics from University College London (UCL), one of the top universities in the world.
She portrayed a high sense of discipline that enabled her to excel in education and the track. This was evident when she claimed the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
The Briton star also claimed a silver medal in the distance at the 2012 London Olympic Games and is a two-time world champion.
3) Malaika Mihambo
)
Malaika Mihambo among the most educated track and field athletes. Image source: Imago
The German is not only a World and Olympic long jump champion but also a highly educated individual.
She pursued a political science degree at the University of Mannheim, where she focused on international relations, a course that requires a lot of dedication and focus.
Managing to graduate while also focusing on her career showcases her intellectual depth. It also complements her dominance in the long jump, including winning gold medals at the 2019 and 2023 World Championships.
4) Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
)
The most educated track and field athletes. Image source: Imago
The Jamaican sprint queen is undeniably the greatest female sprinter but do you know she was also successful in class?
The 10-time world champion has always emphasized the importance of education. She holds a degree in child and adolescent development from the University of Technology, Jamaica.
)
Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will head to the United States to promote her latest venture as she begins to prepare for life beyond track.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist has always used her platform to advocate for education, encouraging young athletes to pursue academics alongside their sports careers.
5) Amy Acuff
)
Amy Acuff among the most educated track and field athletes. Image source: Imago
American high jumper Amy Acuff is not only a five-time Olympian but also a dedicated academic. She studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she pursued biomedical science.
A course like that is not an easy one and also requires full-time attention but somehow, Amy Acuff managed to balance that with her career in athletics.
Her interest in medicine and health reflects her deep intellectual curiosity, making her one of the most educated athletes in track and field history.
6) Bernard Lagat
)
The Kenyan-born American distance runner Bernard Lagat is a five-time Olympian and a two-time world champion but beyond his exploits on the track, he is also highly educated.
Bernard Lagat attended Washington State University, where he earned a degree in business management. His dedication to both his sport and education has contributed to his remarkable longevity in athletics.
7) Trey Hardee
)
Decathlon world champion Trey Hardee is not only a powerhouse in the 10-discipline event but also a highly educated individual.
Hardee earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a course that many are always shy to pursue so imagine pursuing such a path and balancing with athletics.
)
Who is Kishane Thompson’s twin brother, Kishawn?
His ability to excel in both one of the most demanding track and field events and an academically rigorous field is a testament to his hard work and intelligence.
8) Sanya Richards-Ross
)
Jamaican-born American sprinting legend Sanya Richards-Ross, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in business and sports management.
After retiring from track, she transitioned into broadcasting and entrepreneurship, further demonstrating her versatility.
9) Julius Yego
)
Julius Yego is among the most educated track and field athletes. Image source: Imago
Kenya’s most successful javelin thrower Julius Yego studied at Kenyatta University, one of Kenya’s top institutions.
He is famous for teaching himself javelin techniques by watching YouTube videos and at the time, he was also pursuing his education, you can only imagine how tough it was for him.
He pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration at Kenyatta University in Kenya and graduated in December 2021.
)
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has opted against taking part in a key World Athletics calendar event.
These athletes prove that excelling in track and field doesn’t mean sacrificing education. From engineering and medicine to business and linguistics, they have pursued academic excellence while achieving global dominance in athletics.
