Cougar Gold

Dustin Williams – Co-Head Athletic Trainer Team USA Track and Field

Dustin Williams is a trainer for the track stars. He is the head trainer for BYU's Track and Field program and a Co-Head athletic trainer for Team USA. So, not only has he helped BYU Olympians like Courtney Wayment and Kenneth Rooks, but he's also treated the likes of Noah Lyles and Anna Hall. Williams talks about his role with Team USA, building trust with Olympians, and what he’s learned from the BYU athletes in the Olympic Games.

Kenneth Rooks – Men’s Steeplechase

The man who cannot be stopped. Kenneth Rooks is steadily becoming the biggest name in American steeplechase running. The former BYU runner is best known for winning the 3000-meter steeplechase at the 2023 US Track and Field Outdoor Championships after falling over a hurdle. This year, he placed first overall at the US Olympic Trials to punch his ticket to the Olympic Games in Paris. Kenneth talks about his faith, collegiate success, and perspective ahead of the Olympic Games.

Dr. Iain Hunter

Dr. Iain Hunter is not only a sports scientist and biomechanics professor at BYU, he is also a steeplechase biomechanist for USA Track and Field. He works with distance runners, focusing heavily on the "Super Shoe". He isn’t just a scientist, but a runner in his own right. In 2023 he was #1 in the world in his age group for the marathon and has a personal best time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Dr. Hunter talks about the science of running, super shoes, and what makes the athletes from BYU headed to the Games unique.

Rory Linkletter – Men’s Marathon

Professional Marathoner Rory Linkletter is set to compete for Team Canada in the men’s Olympic marathon. The Calgary, Alberta native began his collegiate career as a walk-on for the BYU cross-country team. In his time as a Cougar, Rory moved his way to the front of the pack where he placed second overall in the 10,000-meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships his sophomore season. After graduation, Rory signed a professional contract and currently races for PUMA. This past February, he competed at Spain's Seville Marathon where he crossed the finish line in 2:08.01, qualifying him for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. That performance also made him the second-fastest Canadian Marathoner ever. The conversation covers why Rory chose BYU, what he learned in the BYU Track and Field/Cross Country program, and how his family has influenced his professional running career.

Whittni Morgan – Women’s 5,000-meter

Whittni Morgan is a resilient runner. The Panguitch, Utah native has battled many injuries in her collegiate and professional career. But, the former 2021 NCAA Cross Country champion bounced back from an injury and surgery last fall to place 5th at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 5k. Due to shake-ups in the competition field, Whittni was selected to the Team USA roster and will compete in Paris. The conversation covers how Whittni got into running, how she’s overcome injuries, and what she thinks about as she approaches the start of the Olympic Games.