“I just feel on top of the world, this year has been a huge domino effect, everything has been going in my favor from indoors all the way out.” That was an American track and field athlete in 2019, moments after clinching gold in the men’s 800m at the World Championships in Doha. Not only did he become the first American man to win the event at a World Championship, but he also shattered both the American and championship records with a stunning time of 1:42.34. It was the kind of night that defines careers—the kind of night where the world bows and history remembers. But the script didn’t unfold the way it was supposed to after that.
Donavan Brazier , once the unstoppable force in middle-distance running, faced brutal setbacks when it mattered most. In 2021, he took a gamble at the U.S. Olympic Trials despite an injury and paid dearly. He fractured the tibia in his left leg during the semifinal or final—he’s still not sure when exactly—but he gutted it out to finish the race, placing last in 1:47.88. The Tokyo Olympics slipped away. The following year, he showed up to the World Championships on home soil in Eugene—America’s first time hosting the event—with a nagging Achilles injury. Again, Brazier took the risk. Again, fate wasn’t kind. He finished sixth in his heat in 1:46.72, missing the semis. That turned out to be his last race. Until now.
After nearly three years out of competition, news broke on June 3 that sent ripples through the track world.“2019 800m World champion Donavan Brazier is listed among the entries for the @PortlandTrack Festival on June 14th-15th,” Citius Mag posted on X.
The comeback we’ve all been waiting for…
2019 800m World champion Donavan Brazier is listed among the entries for the @PortlandTrack Festival on June 14th-15th. The former American record holder has not raced since the 2022 World Championships 800m semifinals and has dealt with… pic.twitter.com/Nzyb8s6vhT
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) June 3, 2025
Portland is, however, familiar ground. The last time Brazier raced there was in 2021—and he won, clocking 1:45.09 while outkicking a loaded field that included eventual Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir. Now, he’s returning—not just to the same track, but to the spotlight. So, for Brazier, this isn’t just a race. It’s a statement. After years of pain, surgeries, and silence, he’s ready to start writing a new chapter. One that could still end in glory.
The report is developing…
The post Battling Series of Injuries and Surgeries, Track and Field Star Set for Emotional Comeback After 3-Year Hiatus appeared first on EssentiallySports.
