IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa women’s wrestler Kennedy Blades and Iowa sprinter Kalen Walker both were guests on Wednesday’s Hawk Fanatic radio show and podcast.

Blades, a highly acclaimed freshman from Chicago, will make her much-anticipated Hawkeye debut at the Luther Hill Open on Saturday Indianola.

She won the silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the women’s 76 kg weight class.

Walker, meanwhile, thrilled Hawkeye fans this past Saturday by running a blazing time of 4.15 seconds in the 40-yard dash during halftime of the Iowa-Northwestern football game.

That was fun … @kalenwalker131 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/JNwPyxelIu

— Iowa Track & Field/Cross Country (@IowaXC_TF) October 26, 2024

The Eddyville, Iowa native is a three-time All-American and he finished as the 2024 NCAA runner-up in the indoor 60 meters (6.59).

Walker actually came to the KCJJ station to do his interview in person.

Both student-athletes addressed multiple topics as Blades was joined by her twin sister Korina Blades for part of her interview.

Walker said his ultimate goal is to represent the United States in the 2028 Summer Olympics, but he also said he would consider gaining about 30 pounds after he leaves college and then try to make an NFL roster as a wide receiver.

We appreciate both student-athletes taking time from their busy schedules to speak with us.