Sam Whitmarsh reflects on his journey from an unexpected heart condition diagnosis to becoming a Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country national champion, powered by unwavering faith, unyielding determination and an opportunity made possible by 12th Man Foundation donor support.

College Station, TX — For Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country standout Sam Whitmarsh, the road to becoming a national champion has been anything but predictable. In a moving new feature released by Texas A&M Athletics, Whitmarsh shares the intimate details of his stunning rise — a journey marked by a shocking heart condition diagnosis, deep faith, relentless perseverance, and the support of the 12th Man Foundation that helped him reclaim his dreams.

Whitmarsh had just begun to build momentum as a collegiate middle-distance runner when his world shifted dramatically. What was supposed to be a routine checkup turned into a life-altering moment: doctors discovered a rare heart condition that put his competitive future in jeopardy.

“It didn’t make sense,” Whitmarsh recalled. “I felt strong. I felt ready. But then suddenly, I was told I had to stop. Not slow down — stop.”

The diagnosis came just as Whitmarsh was preparing for what was supposed to be a breakout season in the 800m. And instead of chasing records, he was facing months of uncertainty, medical testing, and difficult conversations.

“I went from training at a high level to not knowing if I’d ever run again,” he said. “It was the scariest moment of my life.”

Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Whitmarsh leaned into his faith.

“There were days I was angry. There were nights I cried,” he admitted. “But I knew God had a plan, even if I didn’t understand it yet.”

Surrounded by a close-knit support system of family, teammates, and Texas A&M staff, Whitmarsh committed himself to the healing process. He stayed around the program, encouraging teammates and embracing a leadership role even when he couldn’t compete.

He also immersed himself in prayer, journaling, and spiritual reflection — calling it a season of growth disguised as a setback.

After months of monitoring, consultation with specialists, and careful planning, Whitmarsh finally received the news he had prayed for: he was medically cleared to return to competition.

But he wasn’t content with simply returning. He wanted to be elite.

“I didn’t come back just to jog laps,” he said. “I came back to win.”

And win he did.

In a stunning return to form, Whitmarsh captured the NCAA Championship in the 800 meters, crossing the finish line with tears in his eyes and the Texas A&M crowd roaring behind him. His time ranked among the best in school history and immediately reestablished him as one of the premier middle-distance runners in the nation.

While much of Whitmarsh’s story centers around heart and grit, he made it clear that none of it would have been possible without donor-backed NIL support.

“Without NIL and the 12th Man Foundation, I don’t know if I’d have been able to stay here and train like I needed to,” he said. “When I couldn’t compete, I still had to support myself. NIL made that possible.”

Through NIL opportunities, Whitmarsh was able to maintain his education, access specialized medical care, and stay connected to the sport — even during months of uncertainty. He called the support he received “life-changing.”

“You didn’t just support an athlete,” he said, speaking to A&M’s donors. “You helped keep a dream alive. I’ll never forget that.”

With a national title in hand and eligibility remaining, Whitmarsh is more motivated than ever to keep building on his success. He’s already setting his sights on the Olympic Trials and wants to compete for Team USA.

But he’s also committed to helping the next generation — mentoring young athletes in Aggieland, sharing his story, and reminding others that adversity can become the foundation for greatness.

“Texas A&M gave me more than a jersey. They gave me a second chance,” he said. “Now I want to make sure others know that second chances are real — and they’re worth fighting for.”

Asked what message he hopes his journey sends, Whitmarsh paused, smiled, and said simply:

“There’s purpose in the pain. Whatever you’re facing — don’t quit. Trust your faith, trust your people, and trust that your story’s not done yet. I’m living proof.”

With the 2025 track season on the horizon, Whitmarsh is already back on the track, training with the same energy and fire that propelled him to a national title. And with every step, every rep, and every stride, he carries with him not just the lessons of adversity — but the gratitude of a man who knows what it means to nearly lose it all.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow Sam Whitmarsh’s inspiring comeback and Texas A&M Track & Field’s quest for more national glory in 2025.