Assistant Professor Allison Murphy Wins Gold and Sets Record at World Masters Athletics Championships
Allison Murphy, assistant professor of Exercise Science (first from left to right), delivered a standout performance at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships, taking home the gold and setting a championship meet record in the 60-meter hurdles.
Allison Murphy, assistant professor of Exercise Science, delivered a standout performance at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships, held March 23–30 in Gainesville, Florida. The event brought together elite athletes aged 35 and older from over 80 countries, showcasing top-tier talent in age-specific categories.
Representing Team USA in her international debut, Murphy competed in the Women’s 50–54 division. She took center stage in the 60-meter hurdles, where she not only captured gold but also set a championship meet record. Her speed and precision were unmatched, demonstrating both her skill and dedication to the sport.
She continued her winning streak in the 4x200-meter Mixed Relay, running alongside a dynamic team of two men and two women representing Team USA. Together, they clinched another gold medal—and more impressively, set a new world record, making World Masters Athletics history.
Murphy also displayed her abilities in the 60-meter dash, earning a bronze medal and finishing as the top American in the event—a testament to her versatility and elite-level athleticism.
Reflecting on her journey, Murphy opened up about how a shift in her physical activity routine became a turning point in both her physical and mental health:
“I have been active most of my life but became bored with my physical activity routine in recent years,” Murphy shared. “After being sedentary for about a year, my mental health began to suffer. I knew I needed higher-intensity exercise for my well-being, and I needed to do it in community.”
That turning point came in August 2024, when she joined the Central Park Track Club (CPTC), where she found a welcoming and supportive environment—thanks in to high school friends; Derrick Adkins, CPTC Sprinters coach and Lisa Edwards, CPTC teammate.
Returning home with three medals, two golds, a bronze, a championship record, and a world record—Murphy sees her comeback as more than a personal victory:
“What it means for me to have done so well may point to competitive track and field as part of my new lifestyle prescription for becoming the best version of myself,” said Murphy.
Murphy’s achievements are inspiring showing that elite athletic performance and personal transformation can begin at any age.
Her story is a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring power of sport.
Congratulations to Allison Murphy on an outstanding championship performance!
