2024 has been ‘the’ year for American middle-distance runner Nico Young. With his on-the-trot successes, the 21-year-old has trumpeted his arrival in the professional landscape, and in some style. For those unaware, Nico’s version of commencing this season with panache included bagging two NCAA Champion titles in March, emerging as the newest prodigy in the 5000m and 3000m categories, and confirming his to-be-Olympian status by winning the 10,000m event at the U.S Olympic Trials. Moreover, his newly signed contract with Adidas added the cherry on top.

But it seems the pro runner is not the only fleet-footed youngster in the Young clan. Apparently, his siblings seemed to have followed suit. Hang tight as we tell you more about them, for their timings attest that they might be speedier than their brother, Nico himself.

Meet Lex and Leo Young, twin brothers of cross-country star Nico Young

As per the hdrunners, Nico Young has two siblings, Lex and Leo Young who are twin brothers. And much like Nico, the two are also emerging to be standout athletes with time, first with their endeavors at Newbury Park High, and then as rising collegiate phenoms at Stanford. But how good are they? Let’s just say Lex’s 5000m time of 13:34:96 was fast enough to be a high school record, while Leo’s 1500m figures of 3:40:86 are amongst the all-time fastest records at the level. In fact, Leo has previously outperformed Nico by recording the fastest time by a high schooler on a 3-mile course.

Indeed, Nico is no stranger to the athletic abilities his brothers possess. If anything, he’s only happy they’re where they are in the field. When asked by Lex in an interview two years back, “What’s it been like watching mine and Leo’s success in running?” Nico had the most wholesome response. The Northern Arizona star replied, “It’s been amazing to see you guys succeed. It’d be sad if it didn’t continue after I left. So, it’s very awesome to see you guys succeed even more than I did.” Are they taking his legacy forward? Certainly. In fact, the numbers might even show them eclipsing his records.

Pulling out the 9th-grade statistics of the three, one can clearly spot the twins in the lead. At the Marmonte League Meet #1, Nico’s timing was 16:37.9, while the same when attempted by the twins in their standard led to Lex clocking a 15:44 and Leo, a 15:56. The final results had a similar end. Nico’s 16:17.5 trailed a tad behind Lex’s and Leo’s 15:04 and 15:16, respectively. One might wonder, what is the secret sauce behind their marvels. No biggie, it actually is a simplistic regimen. They run 60 miles a week, waking up before dawn, at precisely 4.30 am and spring into action.

Also, they carefully filter their diet intake. “We’re always thinking about, ‘How will this affect my performance? How will this make me feel the next day when I go for my run?’” At such ‘young’ ages, the two show impeccable maturity towards their athletic commitments. But, they certainly know the art of balancing. Beyond their resolute lives as athletes, is their candid, fun-loving selves. This often comes alive while they share tidbits of their running journey over their YouTube channel, L&L, with a following of 49.5k. To top it all, they see an ideal role model in Nico.

A role of an inspiring brother: Know how Lex and Leo see the success of their brother

Fun. Competition. Inspiration. The dynamic that Lex, Leo, and Nico share appears a blend of all three. “I think both of us [Leo], we’re not necessarily incredibly competitive people,” Lex once quoted. Until Leo interrupts with a smile, “Yeah we are, don’t lie,” the banter being anything but the opposite of twin telepathy. Amidst their distinct stands, a teammate presents an outsider’s perspective, “And with Lex and Leo, I feel like they’re both fighting to see who can be on top of who.”

But when it comes to Nico, Leo’s stand is crystal clear. Admittedly, he was 11 when Nico started high school. “Pretty much as soon as I was aware of myself, I was watching Newbury Park run,” Leo agrees having witnessed running from an early age. “And I was watching them put in the work and train. I looked forward to doing it,” he added, which hints at Nico and the other runners’ role in casting early imprints of the sport on Leo’s mind.

Somewhere, a deep familial bond seems to connect the boys together. “When you’re talking to your family members, you know them so much better than you would with a friend, that you can get to the point quicker,” Lex once stated. Perhaps, Nico serves the role of guiding them, as their honest advisor, and their confidant. What do you think of their brotherhood? Let us know below.