Sports and International relations—one could have varying opinions and points on this, but what can’t be argued with is the fact that when the two get entangled, it’s always heartbreaking for the athletes and the fans. An American track and field star can perfectly sum up the feeling as the American Air Force runner’s World Championships jet might not take off.

Sam Gilman raced at the USA Indoor Championships in the 3000m event, talking over the World Championships that are supposed to take place in China; the runner has cleared the air over his participation. He told the Citius Mag , “It’s in China and I’m in the Air Force, so I think there’s going to be a couple hurdles to cross uh obviously like there’s a couple of tension is going on right there so I’m not sure how it’s going to work out exactly but we’ll see.” The track and field star is taking his precautions.

The Air Force runner is well aware of the strained relations between the USA and China and has cleared that for him to be at the tracks in China he has he’ll need clearance from the U.S. Air Force. But do not mistake it as his desire to not be there, he continued, “It would be a dream to go; if I had the opportunity, I’d take it in a heartbeat.” The airforce just has to give the signal and Gilman might himself fly a plane to China; though his position in the team remains a mystery.

Sam is currently not on the US team of track and field runners as he is still to meet the World Championship qualifying standards, but his past performances and the steady boost in his world rankings (82nd in Men’s 1500m (Mile-2000m-Mile Road) does make him a considerable candidate. He finished 3rd at the 3000m in the USA Indoor Championships, finishing at 7:38.64, falling behind Dylan Jacobs (7:38.02) and Hobbs Kessler (7:38.00). Not being on the national team is not the very first of Gilman’s problems…

The Air Force athlete is yet to find a shoe deal, yes you heard it right, currently, he runs in the new balance shoes that are guaranteed for every Air Force athlete but the 3000m runner does not have a company that could give him shoes to run… does he need it though?

Sam Gilman does not need a shoe deal

“I don’t have a shoe deal; I don’t need a shoe deal.” Yup…the track and field runner, that too one who runs thousands of meters, does not need a company sponsoring his shoes; that’s what he told the Citius Mag. The Air Force employee is just hungry to train and race until he can fly like those jets he works around. He says, “I’m I just want to train like an animal and race like an animal and I’m proving that every day.” And he does not lie when he says that.

Sam’s training videos are all over YouTube and you can find him lifting heavy bars in the gym on his Instagram as well. He might not fly for the Air Force, given he has a desk job, but he might fly himself and he’s been on that path. Be it his run at the men’s 1,500m at the Ed Murphey Classic in 3:35 or his 2021 NCAA performance when he clocked in at 29:25.4 becoming the fastest 10k in the program history, the South Carolina native has always outgrown people’s expectations. His list of accolades seems never-ending!

Gilman was the 2022 Air Force track and field MVP, has been the mountain west athlete of the Week seven freaking times, and holds six academy records. What’s more? The Air Force’s 04 Fightin’ Fourth senior has also been the Mountain West Athlete of the Year twice (2022 indoor season, 2022 outdoor season), a two-time Mountain West champion [1500-meter run (2021), mile run (2022)]. We are running out of breath simply thinking about this! Yet we pine to see Gilman return to his element.

Going to the 20th World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing can be a great opportunity for the track sensation if the Air Force allows it. It is for us to wait and keep an eye out for any further developments, and we sure will keep you posted!