Medal Reveal: Energy Builds for Tallahassee 2026
The countdown to the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 hits a new stride with the reveal of the official medal — a design that embodies energy, endurance, and excellence.
Designed by U.S. Olympian and Florida State University Hall of Famer Rafeeq Curry, the medal carries the confidence of someone who knows what it means to lace up, step into the starting zone and chase greatness with every stride. Curry channels that same balance and flow into artistic design — and it’s evident in every detail.
“I drew inspiration from the culture of Florida, cross country, and the flow state — that rare alignment where a clear goal meets a worthy challenge,” Curry said. “The body and mind rise instinctively to meet it, creating the peak experience where athletes and artists perform at their highest level.”
Built with Motion in Mind
Every element of the medal feels ready to move. The engraved lines sweep across the surface like well-worn trails cutting through diverse terrain. Each line also nods to Florida’s rivers, lakes and springs, bringing a rhythmic sense of momentum — the same kind that builds in those final strides before the finish line comes into view.
Sunlight-inspired detailing draws the eye, while the arrowhead motif honors the Apalachee people, early artisans of the region, grounding the design in local history. The result is a piece that meets the moment with both pride and respect.
A Ribbon That Feels Like Dawn Before a Race
The ribbons rise in a warm gradient — bright yellow for the women’s champions and a shade of grapefruit for the men’s. Flowing wave lines lead toward the sun, symbolizing renewal and that quiet, charged moment before the starting horn: the breath, the focus, the anticipation waiting to burst into motion. It’s understated yet confident, with a sense of promise running through every line.
“It felt important to honor Florida’s iconic natural beauty with Tallahassee’s local identity,” said Taylor Wheaton, Co-Chair of WXC Tallahassee 26. “Athletes arrive ready to give everything, and this medal needed to reflect the depth of that moment.”
Countdown to 2026 Starts Now
The world is coming to Tallahassee — and the energy is building. This medal gives the championship a face before the first athlete even steps onto the course, capturing the atmosphere of early-morning training runs, rising cheers, and the heartbeat of a city ready to welcome the global running community.
Soon, podiums will rise, cameras will flash, and champions will lift this medal — feeling its weight and knowing they’ve earned every ounce. And Tallahassee will be ready to celebrate right alongside them.
The race is on. The future is bright. And now, WXC Tallahassee 26 has a medal that rises to meet it.
