Yared Nuguse’s rise to elite status in middle-distance running is nothing short of remarkable. A teenager who once cared little for sports and had dreams of becoming a dentist, Nuguse’s career trajectory has taken an unexpected turn, leading him to become one of the world’s best runners.
At 14, Nuguse’s sporting achievements were limited to a spot on his high school bowls team, with little attention given to running. He had no aspirations of becoming a professional athlete. However, everything changed when he joined his high school’s track team, spurred on by a teacher who encouraged him to run a mile to earn an “A” in PE. That small decision sparked a passion that would change his life forever.
“I just fell in love with running,” Nuguse says, reflecting on how he was initially pushed to join the team. His natural talent quickly became apparent, and after competing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Nuguse won the NCAA 1,500-meter title in 2019. It wasn’t long before his career in running was firmly established, earning him the title of “America’s accidental champion.”
Despite his success, Nuguse still struggles to view himself as a natural runner. He recalls how, even in high school, he considered himself “scrawny” and not particularly athletic. His “long, windy stride” often causes him to clash heels with other competitors during races, but his achievements on the track show that he’s no stranger to overcoming self-doubt.
One of Nuguse’s most significant accomplishments came in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in the 1,500m. Although edged out by his compatriot Cole Hocker and Britain’s Josh Kerr in a thrilling finish, Nuguse’s performance highlighted his status among the best in the world. A month later, he triumphed over Hocker, Kerr, and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the Zurich Diamond League, a victory that solidified his place in the competitive world of middle-distance running.
In January 2025, Nuguse made history again, defending his indoor mile title at the Millrose Games with a world record time of 3:46.63. Though his record was quickly surpassed by Ingebrigtsen, Nuguse’s positive attitude toward competition is evident. “Records are meant to be broken,” he says, acknowledging his rival’s achievements with admiration.
What sets Nuguse apart from his rivals, however, is his calm and relaxed approach to racing. While athletes in this fierce competitive field often exude hyper-confidence, Nuguse is refreshingly laid-back. Despite his desire to win, he prides himself on staying grounded and focused on what he can control. He balances his intense training with a sense of humor and a deep interest in life beyond running, including his childhood dream of becoming a dentist.
Nuguse’s coach, Dathan Ritzenhein of the On Athletics Club, has repeatedly praised his athlete’s determination. “Yared’s tougher than almost anybody,” Ritzenhein said. “When he really wants it, he’s an ultimate competitor – just so good.”
As Nuguse continues to excel on the track, his self-belief has only grown. With his Olympic bronze medal in his pocket, Nuguse now feels confident in his ability to beat anyone on any given day. It’s been a wild, unexpected journey from a scrawny teenager to one of the world’s top middle-distance runners – and Nuguse is ready to take on whatever comes next.
