When Nia Akins broke via the tape at Olympic Trials, she stood in shock that she was headed to Paris. The 800-meter runner positioned first within the last spherical of competitors to solidify her spot within the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I’m actually blessed to be right here, and I don’t suppose it’s absolutely settled in but,” Akins says. “The ladies on this subject are simply so proficient within the 800m, and I’m excited to get to characterize the U.S. alongside Allie [Wilson] and Juliette [Whittaker]. I’m tremendous proud to have made it right here and to go to Paris.”
All three ladies racing the 800m for Group USA are Olympic rookies, after a dramatic 800m last on the Trials the place favourite Athing Mu tripped and fell. Akins, a 25-year-old from California, says it’s been a whirlwind of feelings main as much as the video games.
“Above the whole lot else, I’m actually excited to only race. However I additionally need to eat as many croissants as I can whereas I’m there, since it will be my first time in Paris. My entire household is coming too, which I’m enthusiastic about—my little sister has already deliberate her outfits!”
When she’s not racing on the observe, listed below are three issues Akins does off-duty.
1. She performs the guitar and writes her personal music
“Throughout the pandemic, I began to take guitar classes, which then grew into songwriting and releasing my very own music on Spotify. The primary tune that I launched known as ‘Paper Boats,’ which I launched beneath the title Teddy Oliver,” Akins says.
She’s at the moment engaged on her first album and has plans to launch one other single earlier than the Olympics.
“It’s a good way for me to take a break and unwind from the depth of my coaching. Music is a constructive distraction from operating for me—I attempt to ebook studio time after my races as a means of processing and decompressing.”
“Discovering time for self-care is essential, particularly whereas coaching for Paris 2024. Sustaining a robust, wholesome mindset for observe and [competing] is crucial.”
2. She practices self-care
“Discovering time for self-care is essential, particularly whereas coaching for Paris 2024. Sustaining a robust, wholesome mindset for observe and [competing] is crucial,” she says. “My favourite approach to observe self-care is to only sit in stillness. To discover a bench with a pleasant view, go for a short stroll or for a drive the place I am releasing the day and my worries and ideas, and being current.”
This sort of mindfulness has plenty of scientifically confirmed advantages, based on the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, together with lowering nervousness and bettering despair.
3. She recovers from intense coaching
“Irrespective of the exercise, a protein smoothie is a should for me post-workout through the restoration course of. The simplest approach to get my protein repair is with the NOW Sports activities whey protein isolate. It gives clear elements and is Knowledgeable-Sport licensed, which is one thing I search for as knowledgeable athlete and permits me to have belief within the merchandise I’m utilizing daily.”
You’ll be able to catch Nia Akins competing within the Girls’s 800-meter races beginning on August 3. NBCUniversal is the official U.S. broadcaster for the Paris 2024 Summer time Olympics, however you you may also watch on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, USA Community, CNBC, and E!
