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 assume it’s totally settled in but,” Akins says. “The ladies on this discipline are simply so gifted 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 every little thing else, I’m actually excited to only race. However I additionally wish to eat as many croissants as I can whereas I’m there, since it’s going to 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 here are three issues Akins does off-duty.
1. She performs the guitar and writes her personal music
“Through 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 is named ‘Paper Boats,’ which I launched below the identify 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 optimistic distraction from working for me—I attempt to guide studio time after my races as a approach of processing and decompressing.”
“Discovering time for self-care is essential, particularly whereas coaching for Paris 2024. Sustaining a robust, wholesome mindset for follow 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 follow and [competing] is crucial,” she says. “My favourite technique to follow 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 numerous scientifically confirmed advantages, in accordance with the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, together with decreasing anxiousness and bettering melancholy.
3. She recovers from intense coaching
“Regardless of the exercise, a protein smoothie is a should for me post-workout throughout the restoration course of. The best technique to get my protein repair is with the NOW Sports activities whey protein isolate. It gives clear substances and is Knowledgeable-Sport licensed, which is one thing I search for as an expert athlete and permits me to have belief within the merchandise I’m utilizing day by day.”
You may catch Nia Akins competing within the Ladies’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 too can watch on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, USA Community, CNBC, and E!
