Clayton Murphy Moves to Nike Oregon Project

By Adam Kopet

Chris Chavez of Sports Illustrated and Citius Mag announced Wednesday on Twitter that Clayton Murphy has joined the Nike Oregon Project.

Last year, Murphy won the bronze medal in the 800 meters at the Rio Olympics. His time in that race ranks him as the #3 American all-time in the event behind Johnny Gray and Duane Solomon.

Murphy initially stayed with his college coach, Lee LaBadie, as he remained in Akron, Ohio. However, beginning in May this year, Murphy made the move west, living in Eugene, Oregon, during the lead up to the USATF Outdoor Championships in Sacramento.

While living and training on the west coast, Murphy continued to be coached by LaBadie

Murphy entered the USATF Outdoor Championships with a significant goal. He wanted to qualify for the IAAF World Outdoor Championships in both the 800 and 1,500.

In the end, Murphy was unable to do either, fading to last place over the final lap of the 1,500 final and not starting the 800 final, the latter due to injury.

Wednesday's announcement completes the move away from the college environment. Chavez also reported that Murphy will work with Alberto Salazar as his primary coach.

In contrast, recent Nike Oregon Project signee, Craig Engels, will work with assistant coach Pete Julian. Thus, two of the biggest American middle distance athletes to come out of college in the past two years will be part of the same team, but will not regularly train together.