Fighting Against Panic Attacks Track and Field Star Makes Bitter Claim About Balancing Track and Field Career

Music and track usually do not go hand in hand. While we have seen entertainment getting merged with sports. There haven’t been many instances where a musician or a track athlete has been striking the right chord on both. This is exactly where the astonishing tale of Nia Atkins comes in. Debuting in the Paris 2024 Olympics, this University of Pennsylvania graduate also has a steady musical career. In fact, she just made her musical debut back in 2023. And she has something to say about her dual career.

Performing live on the stage, the 26-year-old does not let both her ambitions clash. While she has been actively pursuing her singing career, Akins is also an 800m indoor and outdoor champion. Back in 2023, the 26-year-old sent ripples through the track community with her incredible double. And as she lost her indoor title in 2024, Akins regained it emphatically this year. 

Competing in the 2025 USATF Indoor Championships, not many expected a lot from Akins. After all, she did take part in the Millrose games and finished 7th. However, this time, Akins looked like a different athlete. Right from the start, the middle-distance runner looked focused and ultimately pulled ahead in the final lap to clinch the victory.

But despite being a prominent name in the track realm, Nia Akins suffers significantly from a lack of self-belief. She often gets panicked at small things that could affect her race negatively. And she almost had a similar experience this time too! Thankfully, Nia Akins had the guts to fight through her panic, supported by her teammates, coaches, and even God.

Speaking with Citius Mag after her incredible victory, Akins reflected on her mentality coming into the race. She said, “A lot of Jesus, a lot of exposure therapy, especially this week. I’ve been struggling with some panic attacks. But, I mean, going through the motions yesterday was huge. Like, I came in today and felt normal.” She further explained how badly she wanted to feel normal and not let her adrenaline go wild right before the race. 

And when she indeed felt calm just moments ahead of the gunfire, Akins knew that this was her opportunity. While she beamed proudly having perched herself at the top, Akins did not forget to pay her honest tributes to the ones who stuck around. “And I’m so thankful for just all my friends that have been praying for me (0:30) and my coach and my teammates, and, gosh, my therapist (0:34) for just her encouragement and for sticking with me.”

Surprisingly, the 800m winner made a shocking revelation, stating that she did not want to compete at the USATF Indoors at all after her dismal Millrose Games. However, this was not the only time Nia Akins made a successful and incredible USATF run.

Nia Akins defied the odds exactly a year ago to secure her USATF Indoor crown despite losing her spikes

A year ago, Nia Akins stunned the track world when she won her 800m heat at the USATF Indoor Championships with only one shoe. Yes, you read that right! And now, history has come full circle. Returning to the event that showcased her grit and determination, Akins once again left no doubt about her dominance, securing another U.S. indoor title in the 800m.

Back then, her performance a year ago turned heads. Citius Mag even summed up the moment perfectly, stating, “No shoe? No problem!” Despite losing a spike mid-race, Akins still won her heat in 2:02.53, proving she could thrive under pressure. That relentless spirit carried her all the way to the Paris Olympics.

Although she failed to secure a podium-place finish at the City of Love and finished 10th this year at USATF, she showed yet again why she remains a force to be reckoned with. Coming into the 2024 USATF Indoor Championships, Akins had recently placed seventh at the Millrose Games. But when it mattered most, she delivered once again, reclaiming her national title on home soil.

From the unforgettable shoeless run to another gold medal performance, Akins’ journey over the past year has been a testament to resilience. And with the outdoor season on the horizon, she’s once again undoubtedly setting the stage for bigger battles ahead.