Choctaw Teammates Turned Newlyweds to Represent U.S. at 2026 FISU America Games
Gabe Hodson and Lauren Wallace, former college track teammates at Mississippi Christian University, are set to compete for the United States at the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima, Peru. Hodson will race in the men’s 800 meters, while Wallace will compete in both the women’s 800 and 1,500 meters, according to organizers.
The Games, scheduled from July 20 to Aug. 1, 2026, will feature athletes from 20 to 25 countries across North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. The event will include up to 15 sports and focus on sport, education, and cultural exchange, the FISU said.
The couple’s journey began at Mississippi Christian University, where they achieved personal and athletic milestones. Wallace, a decorated distance runner, earned recognition as one of the Gulf South Conference’s top student-athletes and contributed significantly to the Lady Choctaw cross country and track programs. Hodson, a standout distance runner, earned All-American honors at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships and helped elevate Mississippi Christian’s national profile.
Both athletes recently married after years of competing together as teammates. Their shared experiences in training, travel, and competition helped prepare them for international competition. Their story reflects perseverance, partnership, and the pursuit of excellence, according to their coaches and university officials.
Lima, Peru, has hosted major international sporting events, including the 2019 Pan American Games and will host the 2027 edition. Many of the facilities used during those events will be available for the FISU America Games. The city also offers cultural and educational opportunities that will highlight Peru’s history and traditions.
As they represent the United States, the Hodsons will carry the legacy of their college careers and the foundation built at Mississippi Christian. Their participation marks a continuation of their athletic journey from college teammates to international competitors and newlyweds, taking their story to a global stage.
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