CJ Allen has been a bright spot on the 2025 international track circuit, showcasing his talent and consistency across multiple high-level competitions. The U.S. track and field athlete kicked off this season, and one of the events was the Grand Slam Track event in Kingston. His performance? Well, he clocked a personal best of 48.71 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles and followed it up with a 46.95-second finish in the 400 meters. Allen didn’t stop there.

Craig James Allen competed at the Wanda Diamond League in Xiamen, China, where he set another personal best—34.96 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles on April 26. His strong performances didn’t stop there. With each race, Allen continues to solidify his place among the elite hurdlers on the global stage. But beyond his success on the track, his fans must wonder about his background and where he is from.

What is CJ Allen’s Ethnicity?

Indeed, CJ Allen’s ascent to the top of the 4000m hurdling world lies mostly in his parents, Jeff and Amy Allen’s, unfailing support. Jeff Allen, CJ’s father, is of Ethiopian descent and has played a significant role in his son’s development, not only as a parent but also as a coach. CJ’s mother, Amy Allen, on the other hand, is American and has been his constant source of encouragement and support.

As CJ continues to represent the United States on the international stage, the influence of his parents remains a cornerstone of his success.

What is CJ Allen’s Religion?

CJ Allen’s track success isn’t only about talent and training; it’s also a reflection of the faith within him. CJ is a man of faith, and he often talks about his religious beliefs. It’s his faith that helps him to balance his highs and lows. For him, running isn’t just a personal pursuit—it’s a calling. “I want to do this because I feel like I’ve been given this talent because of something outside of myself,” CJ shared, as per WSU Cougars. “It’s a gift that has been given to me by the grace of God.”

That perspective shapes everything he does. While many athletes focus solely on physical and mental training, CJ emphasizes a third element as well—spiritual strength. “You have to have the mindset; you have to be physical. But I feel like there’s also a spiritual side to it,” he said. “Being deeply rooted in that has definitely helped me to understand and to be just an overall better person.”

His faith helps him stay patient, especially when training conditions are far from ideal. “Do I get stressed? Absolutely, I’m a human,” CJ admitted. “Is it tough at times? Sure… especially when it’s freezing cold and it’s pouring rain.”

Yet through all of it, CJ’s mindset remains clear. “For me, it’s just that patience is a part of that process,” he explained. “There’s no expectation of reward. But if you work long and hard enough, you seem to get real lucky.” It is beyond any doubt that CJ Allen is running with a purpose that has nothing to do with medals earned or records beaten. To him, it is all about maintaining a higher cause and staying loyal to the values that hold his feet to the ground.