Breaking News: Duke Blue Devils Reclaim Their Glory as Star Player Makes Triumphant Return to Lead Championship Chase

In a momentous achievement, the Duke Blue Devils men’s track and field team clinched their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Outdoor Championship in 2025. This victory not only marks a significant milestone in the program’s history but also underscores the resurgence of Duke athletics on the national stage.

The Blue Devils’ journey to the ACC title was propelled by the remarkable return of star athlete Simen Guttormsen, who had been sidelined earlier in the season due to injury. Guttormsen’s comeback injected a surge of energy and confidence into the team, culminating in a series of standout performances that were pivotal to the championship victory.

• Simen Guttormsen: The graduate student from Ski, Norway, made a triumphant return by setting an ACC record in the pole vault with a clearance of 5.67 meters, securing a gold medal and All-ACC First Team honors.
• Christian Johnson: Continuing his stellar season, Johnson delivered a silver medal performance in the men’s weight throw, recording a personal best of 22.93 meters.
• TJ Clayton: Clayton’s explosive speed in the 60-meter dash earned him a gold medal and a tie for the top spot in Duke’s record books.
• Eric Bottern: In the men’s shot put, Bottern achieved a personal best of 17.93 meters, securing a bronze medal and ranking third all-time at Duke.

These individual performances, among others, contributed significantly to Duke’s team score, propelling them to the top of the standings.

The men’s 4×400-meter relay team delivered a thrilling performance in the final event of the championship meet. Despite a slow start, the quartet of TJ Clayton, Andres Langston, Joseph Taylor, and Callum Robinson executed flawless exchanges and explosive final legs, securing a bronze medal with a time of 3:04.49. This finish not only earned them All-ACC Second Team honors but also provided the crucial points needed to seal the team title.

Head coach Shawn Wilbourn‘s strategic leadership and emphasis on athlete development were instrumental in the team’s success. Under his guidance, the Blue Devils demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, culminating in their historic championship victory.

With the 2025 ACC Outdoor Championship secured, the Duke men’s track and field team sets its sights on the upcoming NCAA Championships. The team’s depth, talent, and momentum position them as strong contenders on the national stage. As they continue to build on this success, the Blue Devils aim to establish themselves as a perennial powerhouse in collegiate track and field.