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Chris D’Agostino better known as “Chris Dag” is a US based pro athlete, 50 mile ultra runner, philanthropist and businessman. Our correspondent Cyril recently had a chat with him about his rise and the challenges of being a young professional athlete, and his plans for 2022.
What is your name?
My name is Chris D’Agostino, but most people know me as ‘Chris Dag’
Who is Chris Dag, where are you from, and what do you do?
Chris Dag is a combination of my first and last names shortened. I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. I play college baseball and run 50 mile ultra races. I grew up overweight and always wanted to make a change and work hard to be the best possible version of myself, so I took to athletics as a way of keeping in shape.
Why sports and athletics in particular?
As an overweight kid growing up, I have always played sports as a form of keeping fit and in shape. But in high school I fell in with love baseball and athletics. For me it has always been a great way to strengthen you mentally and also physically. There is nothing better than achieving something you have always wanted to do in the sports and athletics world.
What is it about athletics and sports in general that keeps you going?
What keeps me going is knowing that there is always more room to improve. There is always somebody out there who is out working or getting better than you so it’s only more motivation for you to get up and get after it everyday. To persevere and fight for your goals daily. To work towards a goal and see it materialize is the ultimate high.
When is your first competitive event as a 50 mile ultra runner? How will you feel if you win your first competitive event?
My first competitive event is later this year on October 8th for the 50 mile ultra run. There will be no better feeling than getting my first ever win and having all the work I have been putting in pay off.
You have worked with a lot of top athletes, who are your role models?
A couple of my role models are Nick Bare and Adam Thielen. Nick because he always shows up day in and day out to get where he wants and doesn’t make excuses. Adam because he is one of the better undrafted wide receivers in the NFL and just shows that you should never give up on your dreams no matter how far away they may seem.
Previously parents didn’t allow their kids to choose sports as a career option, but these days due to the huge sums pro athletes are paid, and the various lucrative endorsements, parents now encourage their kids to play sports actively. What’s your take on the global interest and attention paid to sports these days?
I think the global rise in sports is great and should continue. It helps kids nowadays to stay active and find something to focus their time and attention on instead of sitting inside for a good portion of the day. I think the rise in sports can last a while and certainly maybe even increase with all the recognition it gets these days with social media and everyone wanting to be the next top athlete.
Looking at where you are today, what are the things you are most grateful for?
I am most thankful for all of my family and friends that have helped me along the way. So many times in sports and training you question whether you will be able to accomplish a certain goal or reach a certain milestone and that is really where you need your family and friends to keep you going and keep you motivated. So I am grateful for my supportive family, friends and coaches too.
How do you cope with the attention, both wanted and unwanted, from your fans?
I mainly focus on myself and everything that I can control. If it’s something that I have no control over whatsoever I tend to just let it go and forget about it. I always try to have tunnel vision in whatever I put my mind to achieve, be it in sports or business.
Who or what influenced you to become an athlete?
My family influenced me to become an athlete. I have always enjoyed playing sports from a young age, I always loved the competitive atmosphere and challenges sports brought to the table. I feel energized and alive whenever I am playing sports or competing. It’s my happy place.
These days it is normal to have sports people come to events with a playlist. Which artist(s) are you currently listening to their music? Who are your favorites?
Some artists I am currently listening to now are J.Cole, Drake & Migos. My favorites are J.Cole and Drake because I feel like whatever they come out with is always the song that I can have on repeat forever.
Do you have any particular song that is always a part of your playlist? What should your fans expect from you in the coming months?
My favourite song is ‘AMARI’ by J.Cole. The song never seems to get old and I always love to listen to it whenever I am pushing the limits. Over the coming months fans can expect to see me training very intensely in order to prepare for my first ultra race.(50 mile)
Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years and what advice do you have for other upcoming athletes like yourself?
In the next few years I see myself having completed a few ultra races and starting to prepare for an Ironman triathlon. My advice for young upcoming athletes is that it doesn’t matter where you are at now in your career, the only thing that matters is that you put in the time and effort each and everyday to become the best version of yourself and you will definitely see results.
