In First Trip Outside the U.S., Clayton Murphy Strikes Gold in Toronto

Published by TeamUSA.org on July 23, 2015

Clayton Murphy had never been outside the United States and was wondering when the money he spent on his new passport would actually get put to use. He found out Thursday night when we won the gold medal in the men’s 800-meter at the CIBC Pan Am Athletics Stadium.

On top of that, he was able to celebrate his achievement with teammate, roommate and bronze medalist Ryan Martin.

“It’s one of a kind, running around with the roommate Ryan,” Murphy said after winning his first Pan American Games medal. “It’s my first time out of the country and you can’t dream of anything better in representing your country than carrying a flag around the track.”

Murphy won the event in 1:47.19, edging out Colombian Rafith Rodriguez in the last 50 meters. Rodriguez had led the entire race with Murphy in second, close on his heels. Having observed the breaks and tendencies in the prelims, Murphy was well prepared when it came to the final stretch.