JUST ANNOUNCED: Nico Young, Graham Blanks Confirmed for Oslo Diamond League 5000m World Record Attempt…
In a thrilling development for track and field fans, two of America’s brightest young distance-running stars, Nico Young and Graham Blanks, have been confirmed for the men’s 5000m at the upcoming Oslo Diamond League, where a world record attempt is expected to take center stage.
Set for June 13 at the iconic Bislett Stadium, the race is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the 2024 Diamond League season. The addition of Young and Blanks—two NCAA standouts who have rapidly transitioned to the global elite—adds extra intrigue to a stacked field that is rumored to include world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, and Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha.
Both Young and Blanks are coming off historic NCAA seasons. Young, who recently signed with Adidas after concluding his collegiate career at Northern Arizona University, shattered the NCAA 5000m record indoors earlier this year and has clocked sub-13-minute times outdoors. His fearless front-running and consistent progression have marked him as a major threat in championship and paced races alike.
Graham Blanks, representing Harvard until recently, has had a meteoric rise in 2024. After winning the NCAA cross country title in the fall, he ran 13:01.51 indoors—becoming the second-fastest collegiate athlete ever at that time—and continued his momentum with strong performances on the international stage. His recent signing with Nike signals his serious intent to compete at the global level, and Oslo will be a major litmus test.
The men’s 5000m world record currently stands at 12:35.36, set by Cheptegei in 2020 in Monaco. With the favorable pacing conditions typical of Oslo’s “Dream Mile” meet and a race designed for speed, the stage is set for an all-out assault on that mark. The presence of Ingebrigtsen—competing on home soil—could push the pace early, while the inclusion of younger stars like Young and Blanks introduces a wildcard element. Both have shown the ability to hang with top-tier talent and will look to prove themselves on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Adding to the drama is the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials, which loom just two weeks after Oslo. For Young and Blanks, this race doubles as both a high-level tune-up and a potential breakout opportunity. A world-class time here could not only position them well for Olympic selection but also signal that the new generation of American distance runners is ready to challenge the East African dominance in the 5000m.
Organizers have confirmed that dedicated pacemakers will be employed, and weather forecasts suggest optimal conditions for fast times. With a blend of established champions and rising stars, the Oslo 5000m is set to be more than a record attempt—it could be a generational clash that redefines the event.
Whether or not the world record falls, the presence of Nico Young and Graham Blanks ensures that U.S. distance running will be part of the conversation in a major way. Fans across the globe will be watching closely.
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