UCLA Hurdler Finds Growth Abroad During Recovery

Shawn Toney spent his final collegiate season's first quarter training in Madrid, Spain instead of at Drake Stadium.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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UCLA track and field senior Shawn Toney chose to study abroad in Madrid, Spain during the fall quarter of his final collegiate season, rather than train at Drake Stadium with his team. The hurdler/sprinter used the time abroad to focus on recovering from a hamstring injury, taking classes towards his master's degree, and experiencing personal growth by stepping out of his comfort zone. Despite being away from his teammates, Toney maintained his training regimen and returned to UCLA with a renewed focus on communication and long-term health as he navigates the closing chapter of his collegiate career.

Why it matters

Toney's decision to study abroad during his final collegiate season, rather than train with his team, highlights the value of prioritizing personal growth and academic goals alongside athletic pursuits. His experience demonstrates how stepping out of one's comfort zone can foster development in unexpected ways, even for elite student-athletes.

The details

Toney, a hurdler/sprinter from Los Altos, California, has shone both on the track and in the classroom during his time at UCLA. He finished third in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2024 USC dual meet with a personal-best time, and was named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2025 and selected for the 2024-25 All-Academic Team. With a hamstring injury sustained last spring limiting his training, Toney saw the opportunity to study abroad as a chance to focus on his recovery, academic goals, and personal growth. While in Madrid, Toney worked with a local trainer on his rehabilitation, took classes towards a master's degree, and embraced the experience of living in a new country. His teammate Armaan Hedayati noted Toney's impressive time management and dedication, as he balanced schoolwork, recovery, and daily runs around the city.

  • Toney spent the first quarter of his final collegiate season training in Madrid, Spain instead of at UCLA's Drake Stadium.
  • In 2024, Toney finished third in the 400-meter hurdles at the USC dual meet with a personal-best time of 52.94 seconds.
  • Toney was named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2025 and selected for the 2024-25 All-Academic Team.

The players

Shawn Toney

A senior hurdler/sprinter on the UCLA track and field team, from Los Altos, California.

Joanna Hayes

The track and field director at UCLA who encouraged Toney to take advantage of the study abroad opportunity.

Armaan Hedayati

Toney's high school friend and roommate during his time abroad in Madrid.

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What they’re saying

“I'm here for an experience. I shouldn't be afraid to meet new people.”

— Shawn Toney (dailybruin.com)

“Shawn Toney is a very intelligent man. Going abroad will help him, open doors for him, show him new parts of the world and make connections that can change your life. His future has to come first, so it was an easy decision for me. Everything is not surrounded by athletics. College is a time when you really need to find out what you want to do with your life. You're going to make mistakes, try new things, meet new people.”

— Joanna Hayes, Track and field director (dailybruin.com)

“Shawn is really admirable in the sense that he is great at managing his time and managing his workload. He was doing school, living in a new country and prioritizing his recovery and keeping up with his practices. He would go on runs around the city and work out every day.”

— Armaan Hedayati, Toney's high school friend and roommate abroad (dailybruin.com)

What’s next

Toney is currently redshirting the indoor season as he continues to build his base and prepare for the upcoming outdoor season.

The takeaway

Toney's experience studying abroad during his final collegiate season demonstrates how elite student-athletes can balance athletic, academic, and personal growth goals. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and prioritize long-term development over short-term athletic performance highlights the value of a well-rounded college experience.