BIG NEWS: Dominican Republic Olympian Javier Núñez to Join Virginia Tech Track & Field for 2025 Season
In a stunning acquisition that has electrified the Virginia Tech athletic community, the Hokies have officially announced the signing of Javier Núñez—a decorated Dominican Republic Olympian and world-class sprinter—who will join the men’s track & field program for the upcoming 2025 season. This unexpected coup marks a transformative moment for Virginia Tech’s athletics and sends shockwaves through collegiate track circles nationwide.
Núñez, 24, burst onto the international stage at just 19 when he represented the Dominican Republic at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the 200-meter dash. Known for his explosive starts and trademark lean at the finish line, he captured bronze in the Pan American Games last summer and holds the national record in both the 100m (9.97s) and 200m (20.12s). His arrival in Blacksburg brings unmatched international pedigree to the Hokies.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Javier,” says Head Coach Marcus Valentine. “He’s the embodiment of elite athleticism, discipline, and competitive fire. Having an Olympian train with us daily will raise the bar for every athlete on our roster.”
Núñez echoed the coach’s enthusiasm at the official press conference. Dressed in his Dominican team blazer under maroon Hokies gear, he spoke passionately of his decision: “Virginia Tech showed me a vision and commitment I hadn’t found anywhere else. They didn’t just want an Olympian—they welcomed a teammate, a leader, and someone who wants to grow on and off the track.”
Insiders say the lyrics to Núñez’s signing came together through personal outreach by Tech’s athletic director and Valentine, who traveled to Santo Domingo last fall for talks that centered on Núñez’s holistic growth—academic support, NIL potential, and a tight-knit athletic community committed to his future.
Fellow Virginia Tech sprinter and junior national qualifier Isaiah Carter says Núñez has already started training with the team. “You feel the energy shift. He’s fast on the track, but what’s more impressive is his humility. He’s down to earth, works his tail off in the weight room and then puts in extra hours running drills. Everyone’s eyes are bigger, but there’s no ego.”
Núñez will pursue a degree in International Relations, and the Hokies have helped line up placement at top faculty mentors and internships tied to their Centre for Global Affairs. The university also introduced a tailor-made NIL package to honor his Olympic legacy, including exclusive training clinics and branded appearances focused on youth athletic development.
Virginia Tech has not signed an athlete with this level of international resume since 2012, when Jamaican jumper Akeem Graham led their program. Núñez’s arrival puts the Hokies back on the global recruiting radar in a major way, signaling a renewed focus on attracting elite talent from around the world.
The track & field schedule for 2025 already features high-profile meets, including the Coastal Relays and the Penn Relays. Virginia Tech fans and ACC competitors are eager to see how Núñez’s Olympic-level speed translates into team relays and championship scoring. Even more, his presence on campus promises to foster a new culture of aspiration—hearing the thrum of the starting pistol followed by the whoosh of footsteps powered by one of the world’s fastest men.
Virginia Tech’s spring season is already heating up, as athletes program new sprint workouts centered around Núñez’s technique. But his impact reaches beyond training sessions. During his introductory press event, he unveiled plans for a youth speed camp next summer aimed at underprivileged teens from both Blacksburg and his home country. “Speed changes lives,” he said. “If I can share some of what I’ve learned—physically and mentally—I’d be honored.”
A Central American star arrives, an Olympic bronze-medalist pulls on maroon and orange, and a community—the university, the town, and an ACC track program—stands ready to embrace him. JAVIER NÚÑEZ is now a Hokie.
And with him, the Hokies’ track program may be sprinting into its fastest and most vibrant season ever.
