Yared Nuguse’s journey from a young, nerdy boy, to an Olympic bronze medal athlete is inspiring. As a young boy, Yared did not see himself becoming an athlete. He was on the bowling team and very focused on his academics, with plans of going to dental school. When his high school P.E. teacher found out he could run and run well, his success only grew. Yared’s journey emphasizes the idea that talents are sometimes hidden, and that other people can bring out the best in us.
In his conversation with Gary Fogle, Yared mentions, “I thought I had some general talent, […] maybe not like Olympic medal level fast, but here we are.” Yared’s story of finding his passion and sport is not like most, but he is grateful that it happened.
When Yared’s high school P.E. teacher, Mick Motley, assigned his students to run the mile, he did not expect to discover the next Olympic athlete. Giving his students an incentive of McDonald’s after the mile, Yared ran the mile as fast as he could, to be in line first at McDonald’s. Once Motley saw Yared run, he knew he had discovered something special.
Once Yared’s high school cross country coach, Tim Holman, had Yared on his team, he slowly began to realize his talent. He does mention, however, that “You don't leap to Olympic medalist, so probably initially we thought he had some talent and some ability, but it probably wasn't until his junior year that we sort of realized that maybe he was a division one kind of talent.” Without Mick Motley and Tim Holman, Yared would not be where he is today, and would not know of his talent or ability.
After high school, Yared Nuguse attended Notre Dame and was an NCAA champion during his time there. After that he trained rigorously and won the bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics in the 1500 meters. With his medal hanging on his lamp, Yared still has plans of going to dental school one day; once his running career is over, that is.
Yared Nuguse’s story is unlike those of most athletes. He didn’t discover his talent or passion until high school and would not of gotten there if it hadn’t been for those around him.
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