Nico Young, in his first full year as a professional runner, made history by becoming an American record-holder. On Thursday, June 12, the 22-year-old secured victory in the men’s 5,000 meters at the Diamond League event in Oslo, finishing with a time of 12:45.27. This performance shattered the previous outdoor American record of 12:46.96, set by Grant Fisher in 2022.
In a thrilling final lap surge, Young outpaced a competitive field, including athletes initially expected to challenge for a world record. His time improved upon his previous personal best of 12:51.56, which he achieved indoors earlier this year. Young came close to breaking the overall U.S. record of 12:44.09, set by Fisher during an indoor race in Boston this past February.
“It was a crazy race. I’m surprised, but I’m proud of myself for maintaining this pace throughout,” Young said after the race. “Before the race, I wasn’t completely sure what would happen, but once I felt good around the 3,000-meter mark, I decided to stay with the pace.”
He added, “The best is yet to come. I knew a 12:45 was possible, but I wasn’t sure how it would unfold. I’m happy with where my fitness is right now.”
Young’s victory came ahead of Ethiopia’s Biniam Mehary (12:45.93) and Kuma Girma (12:46.41), who finished second and third, respectively. Harvard graduate Graham Blanks made his own mark, taking 11 seconds off his previous best to finish seventh in 12:48.20. Blanks now ranks third on the U.S. all-time list for the event.
This win in Oslo adds to Young’s impressive performances this year. Just two weeks ago, the Northern Arizona University graduate triumphed in the 3,000 meters at the Grand Slam Track meet in Philadelphia. He also set personal bests in the mile (3:50.89) and 5,000 meters during the indoor season.
Young’s rise to prominence began last summer when he made his Olympic debut just weeks after completing his collegiate career with two NCAA titles. At the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, he finished third in the 10,000 meters and went on to place 12th in the Olympic final in Paris.
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