The Next Great American Runner | Inside Nico Young’s Breakthrough Season: Breaking The American Record, Winning A Diamond League, & Chasing World Glory

No American runner made more noise in 2025 than Nico Young. The 23-year-old prodigy smashed the 5,000m American record, claimed his first national title, and battled the world’s best in Tokyo. In June, he stormed through the Bislett Games in Oslo, running 12:45.27 for 5,000 meters, which was a new American record. Barely two months later, he claimed his first U.S. title at 10,000 meters in Eugene, clocking 29:02.12 to solidify his dominance on home soil. Then, on the world’s biggest stage in Tokyo, Young placed fifth in the 10,000m at the 2025 World Championships, closing his breakout season in a dynamic way. Young’s rise has been meteoric but methodical. A former NCAA champion from Northern Arizona University, he first stunned the sport in 2024 by debuting at 26:52.72 for 10,000 meters–an NCAA and American collegiate record–then qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he finished 12th. Turning pro with Adidas that summer, he entered 2025 with sharper focus and the freedom to train through longer, uninterrupted blocks under coach Mike Smith in Flagstaff, Arizona. Now a national champion, world finalist, and record holder, Young owns personal bests of 12:45.27 (5,000m), 26:52.72 (10,000m), and 7:37.73 (3,000m). His performances are redefining what’s possible for American distance runners, and he’s doing it with trademark composure and humility. Tap into the Nico Young Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz