The Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist: Always Thinking, Always Planning

What a year it has been for extraordinary discus specialist Valarie Allman. At the beginning of 2024 Allman and her Coach Zebulon “Zeb” Sion took a daunting approach toward the upcoming season: win every event. “There really wasn’t a goal,” explains Allman. “We kind of took it as just one meet at a time - and they kept stacking up. And when it came to the Diamond League final I thought, ‘Geez, we’re almost there.’” The result was an undefeated season. “It really was such a meaningful and beautiful season. There were 67 meets. And I know my competitors are really strong. It was kind of crazy. I was nervous all the way through those meets.” And it set the tone for Allman’s incredible season.

The undoubted zenith of Valarie’s 2024 performances was her successful defense of her 2021 Olympic discus gold medal and her second Olympic gold medal. In the discus final, the defending Olympic champion had an unfortunate start – a first-round foul that would rattle anyone. But Valarie regained composure and proceeded to launch 4 subsequent throws that were superior to all of the throws of her competitors – including a top mark of 69.50m on her 5th round heave.

In Paris, Valarie quickly saw the distinctions between the 2021 Games (postponed a year; no Olympic flair; no fans; in Tokyo) and the 2024 Games ( a regal Olympic backdrop; a daily packed house of ecstatic Olympic fans in Paris). “To finally make it to Tokyo, to feel like I was a medal contender, and to have things go my way was amazing,” notes Allman as she reflects on the 2021 Games. “But there was some part of it that felt kind of incomplete. I think when (Tokyo) ended I was so grateful for the result. But something about it; it didn’t quite feel full.”

To Valarie, Paris was a more vibrant and exciting experience. “That three-year span showed me how much I’ve grown, the drama, the highs and the lows. I found myself wanting to really be in a competitive spot for Paris. It was so motivating.” Valarie knew that the Paris Olympic challenge would not be easy. “It is so much harder to defend gold than to earn it the first time because you realize all the sacrifice and how hard it is not to be unhealthy, not to have a good time. But I’ve had this relentless drive and have worked really hard. And I am grateful for the people that were around Paris. It felt like that dream moment when it was the roaring crowd, my family was there, and the result was amazing. It was everything in my whole career that I’ve worked to: finally having that moment of just like pure joy and excitement.” And that moment of joy and excitement was capped off with a very special event when shortly after capturing her 2nd gold medal Valarie and Zeb dashed off to Italy where Zeb presented Valarie with an engagement ring.

Far from retirement, Valarie, looking ahead, has been thinking about future possibilities once her competitive days have concluded. “While I know that coaching is something that would not align with my skills and interest, I am continuing to find ways to be part of the sport and undertaking opportunities of growing. There are so many other means that are emerging so it wouldn’t have to be just track. I want to continue to lean in on those types of opportunities and do what I can such as podcasting, appearances, or whatever so I can change yet stay a part of the sport.”

Valarie is already looking ahead to 2025, itching to outline the new season. Valarie and Zeb have an ambitious schedule. “I am a planner, I love to plan,” smiles Allman. “The Diamond League schedule has released what events will be at what locations for 2025. That came out about a month ago in all the talk shows.”

Valarie reveals the plans. “We have already planned out our calendar which I am really excited about. And we have assembled new and critical goals for 2025 that are really motivating. Our first one is in April in Ramona, Oklahoma (a blustery location featuring a wind-driven plain where in 2024 Mykolas Alekna threw 74.35m to break the 1986 men’s discus record of 74.08 held by Germany’s Jurgen Schult) “That is sort of our first big goal for the year.” explains Valarie. “And I’m really excited to see what I am capable of.”

Valarie shares more about her 2025 plans. “We are going to do all of the Diamond League. I love going to them. They give me confidence when I’m competing with the best of the best. Rarely do we not go to one except when there is too much travel or back-to-back. As of right now I am planning to go to all of them.”

Japan is the primary focus for Valarie this year. “We have the main focus upon the World Championships in Tokyo.” notes Valarie who has yet to capture a World Championship gold medal. “And we’re working toward the world title – and that is the #1 goal for 2025.”

And Valarie, always prepared, shines in those top-flight competitions. She has mastered a unique signature spin in the ring – sort of a special weapon that features an unmatched, furious spinning motion that has emerged from her days as a youthful dancer. That powerful technique keeps her in the ring and allows her to develop an incredible circular spin which can unleash the disc with a nearly-unmatchable speed-driven thrust. Valarie recalls how this evolution evolved “For me, it was just a natural thing. My body kind of had a natural sense of balance and rhythm. All athletes have their own set of superpowers – harnessing power; an incredibly good bench press; etc. My bench press never was good,” admits Valarie. “It would always be so humbling.” But then Zeb saw what could be done. “When Zeb and I started working together he really wanted to help me ‘strengthen my strength.’ He came up with some technical cues that really started refining what some call ‘quality good’. He was definitely the one that really started to showcase the elements of where my technique is now.” Discus competitors beware!

And so the two-time Olympic gold medalist in the discus remains focused; is collaborating with her soon-to-be husband on a blueprint for 2025; and is raring to go on this next full season. How would one describe this amazing, multi-talented, articulate world class athlete? Perhaps Paul Doyle - a well-respected sport agent for Valarie and many others - summarizes it best:

“She is incredible. There is so much she could do. But she is doing so well with this. She is a super-competitive person. You don’t become a two-time Olympic gold medalist without being a super-competitive person. She is a very sharp girl. Super sweet. One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet."

/ Dave Hunter /