INDIANAPOLIS – Rising distance star Nico Young (Flagstaff, AZ/USATF Arizona) has been named the 23rd USATF Athlete of the Week for 2025 after shattering the American outdoor record in the men’s 5000 meters with a stunning performance that cemented his place among the all-time greats of U.S. distance running…

INDIANAPOLIS – Rising distance star Nico Young (Flagstaff, AZ/USATF Arizona) has been named the 23rd USATF Athlete of the Week for 2025 after shattering the American outdoor record in the men’s 5000 meters with a stunning performance that cemented his place among the all-time greats of U.S. distance running…

 

Competing at the prestigious Diamond League meet in Oslo, Norway, Young clocked a jaw-dropping 12:49.36, breaking the previous American record of 12:53.73 set by Grant Fisher in 2022. Young’s run not only marked a personal best by over seven seconds, but also placed him among the top ten fastest men in history over the distance.

Young, 22, surged confidently with the lead pack through aggressive early pacing. After a fast opening kilometer of 2:32, he maintained contact with some of the world’s best, including Olympic medalists and world champions. Over the final lap, he unleashed a blistering 55-second kick, outleaning several international rivals and finishing fourth overall in one of the fastest 5000m races ever contested.

“I knew I was in shape to do something special,” said Young post-race. “My training’s been dialed in, and I’ve been building toward this for a while. To see 12:49 on the clock and know I broke the record is surreal. It’s a huge honor to be part of American distance running history.”

Young’s historic run marks a significant milestone in a career that has seen a rapid ascent since his high school days, when he became the second-fastest U.S. high schooler ever over 5000m. A standout at Northern Arizona University, Young claimed multiple NCAA All-American honors and played a key role in NAU’s dominant distance program. Since turning professional with Nike and training under coach Mike Smith in Flagstaff, he has continued to evolve, gradually closing the gap between collegiate stardom and global elite competition.

This latest performance not only qualifies Young for the U.S. Olympic Trials but also sends a strong message ahead of the Paris 2024 Games: America has a new force to be reckoned with in the 5000m. His consistent progression, fearless racing style, and ability to rise to the occasion have made him one of the most exciting athletes in U.S. track and field.

USATF recognized Young’s record-breaking feat as emblematic of the next generation of American distance running. “Nico continues to raise the bar for what’s possible,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “His performance in Oslo is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the strength of the U.S. development system.”

Young joins an elite list of USATF Athlete of the Week honorees and becomes one of the youngest ever to receive the distinction for setting a national record.

As the 2025 outdoor season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Young as he aims for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team and a podium finish in Paris. If his latest performance is any indication, the best may still be yet to come.

About USATF Athlete of the Week:

USATF honors outstanding performances each week in track and field, long-distance running, and race walking. Nominations are based on competition results, records set, and overall excellence in the sport.