When the pandemic slammed the brakes on Nia Akins’ track career at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020, she found comfort in a different rhythm—her guitar (credits goes to her mother). The 800-meter specialist started writing songs and diving headfirst into music, using it as an outlet while the track world stood still. But by 2021, racing was back, and so was Akins, ready to chase her Olympic dream at the US Trials. That dream, however, took a heartbreaking turn when she tripped and fell in the 800-meter final, finishing dead last and missing out on Tokyo. But now?

Fast forward to June 2024, and Akins flipped the script like a pro. This time, she showed up to the Olympic Trials with unfinished business and left no doubt who belonged on that plane to Paris. Not only did she punch her ticket, but she also reached the semi-finals. At 26, the Burbank, California native, is now a two-time national champion, and fans can’t help but wonder: with that kind of speed and endurance, what’s in her DNA? People are asking—who gave Akins those lightning-fast genes?

Who is Nia Akins’ mother?

The pandemic didn’t just give Nia Akins time to reset but it also sparked a new passion. Her mother, Nicol Hodges, had gifted her a guitar during her sophomore year at Penn, but with her busy schedule, Akins never had the chance to fully explore it. When the world slowed down, she finally picked it up and dove into learning. But Hodges didn’t just pass down a love for music—she also handed down some serious speed. But who is her mother?

Nicol Hodges is a former standout 400-meter runner for the University of Missouri. She even competed professionally in the early 1990s. Back then, though, the sport lacked the resources and structured training opportunities that exist today, so she eventually moved on. Now, watching her daughter thrive in the sport she once dominated, Hodges takes immense pride in seeing Akins seize the opportunities that weren’t available in her era.

For Akins, having a mom with that kind of track pedigree keeps her motivated and humble. She’s not just making her mom proud, she’s chasing her legacy. “I don’t think I’ve beaten her open 400m PR yet. I have some work to do to catch up to mom,” Akins said with a grin. Hodges may have hung up her spikes years ago, but her influence is still fueling Akins’ rise.

Who is Nia Akins’ father?

Nia Akins’ mom, Nicol Hodges, has been her biggest cheerleader every step of the way. But as of March 2025, there’s still no info out there about her father.

What is Nia Akins’ parents’ nationality?

Nia Akins is as American as they come, born and raised in sunny San Diego, California, where her journey to track stardom kicked off. San Diego serves as both the birthplace and current home for Nicol Hodges, who is an American citizen.

As for Akins’ father? That’s still a mystery. Public information about her father remains unavailable, but through her mom’s encouragement and inherited athletic talent, Akins creates her own distinctive success through fast running times.