INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On April 17, Tahmar Upshaw made history by breaking the T46 800-meter World Record. This achievement earned him the title of USATF Athlete of the Week, making him the first ever from Austin Peay State University to receive this honor.
Upshaw set an impressive time of 1:48.80 at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California. This new record surpasses the previous mark of 1:51.82, set by Australia’s Hunter Matzinger at the 2012 London Paralympics. It also brings him closer to the Olympic record held by Kenyan runner David Rudisha, who clocked in at 1:40.91 during the 2012 London Olympics.
Hailing from Murfreesboro, Upshaw has showcased his athletic skills beyond the track as well. He was a standout for the APSU men’s cross country team, leading them in the last five meets of the 2025 season and achieving personal bests in the 8K race during the fall.
Before joining the Governors in the 2025-26 academic year, Upshaw transferred from Middle Tennessee, where he didn’t compete in college athletics. He started at Cumberland, where he excelled in his freshman and sophomore years, winning six events.
Upshaw’s journey reflects a growing trend of athletes reshaping their futures through persistence and hard work. Many athletes are now transferring between schools to find the right environment for success. This shift may be influenced by recent surveys showing that over 70% of college athletes value their mental well-being and seek programs that align with their personal goals.
For more updates on Upshaw’s season and the APSU cross country and track & field teams, you can follow them on X and Instagram (@GovsXCTF) or visit LetsGoPeay.com.
