Two-time Olympic gold medalist and a two-time World Champion, Ashton Eaton once quoted, “Coping with injuries is always difficult for athletes because all we want to do is, basically, to have our best performances unhindered.” And perhaps how much the athlete might want it,  the performance is hindered. This track and field athlete might be one of the best examples of this. When he started his 2020 season, nobody would have thought that the man would go unbeaten. He was good, but that year he proved that he was just that good. January to August, 9 races, none lost. And 2025 is seeing the return of just that…

A year before that, on October 1, 2019, under the skies of Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, he had etched his name into history. In the men’s 800 meters final at the IAAF World Athletics Championships, Donavan Brazier clocked a time of 1:42.34 in the 800 meters final to become the First American man to ever win the 800m at the World Championships. But 2021 saw him struggling through injuries. He finished 8th in the finals of the Olympic trials. The world saw the last of the track and field athlete at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, where he finished 6th and then went on a break due to his injuries. But now, HE’S BACK!

The track and field fans watched in awe as Donavan Brazier walked into the zone once again after 3 years. Donning the sprint suit since again, the 28-year-old entered the Toad Fest on June 7, 2025.  And no argument with Citius Mag tweeting, “DONAVAN BRAZIER IS BACK,” because he won in the 800 meters. The commentator announced as if he and all the audience had been waiting to witness this history, “100 meters to go, ladies and gentlemen, the 2019 World Champs. 135, 136, 137, 138 on the clock. God has been praised for making us look easy as we do in 144.”

The track and field athlete clocked a time of 144.70s to secure the number one spot. His first 1st position finish since June 2022. Shane Streich finished second with a time of 1:47.20, and Marcus Dropik came third, clocking 1:48.50. There was a lot of excitement regarding his return as well. “For him [Brazier] to come back and his first race in three years is at Toad Fest is truly an honor,” said Founder and Meet Director Billy Cvecko.

FloTrack reports claim that he also said, “When I got off of that phone call, I threw my phone on the bed and started screaming… all of the neighbors probably thought I was crazy, but it was the coolest thing.” Safe to say that the 28-year-old track and field athlete didn’t disappoint anybody with expectations. For a career daunted by injuries, fans are hoping to see more of the man now.

Donavan Brazier’s battle with injuries

Donavan Brazier’s injury troubles began in 2020 when he developed plantar fasciitis in his right foot, cutting his season short during the pandemic year. In June 2021, while defending his national title at the U.S. Olympic Trials, he fractured his left tibia during the 800 m final. Though he finished the race, he collapsed afterward and soon underwent surgery to repair the fracture. His recovery was slow and complicated. In July 2022, Brazier had surgery for Haglund’s deformity—a bony growth in his left heel that had been irritating his Achilles tendon.

Unfortunately, complications followed. In February 2023, he required a second procedure to remove excess scar tissue, and a third and fourth surgery took place later that year, making it a long, arduous road back to full health. Throughout this period, Brazier was frequently forced to train inconsistently or shut down his seasons entirely. The reason for his devastating loss at the 2022 World Championships was that he was attempting a return but was visibly unfit, finishing sixth in his heat due to continued Achilles’ pain.

By 2023, he had missed all major meets, including the US Championships, with his team prioritizing complete healing over quick returns. But now that he is back, what do you think of this return, and what are your thoughts about his future?