NCAA Track and Field: After Setting Both 5000 and 10,000 m records, 2x NCAA Champion Nico Young Stands Tall to His Competitor by Bagging NIL Deal with Adidas

NCAA Track and Field star Nico Young is on cloud nine at the moment. The young sprinter recently got his impeccable skills awarded as he sealed a lucrative NIL deal with Adidas. Such an achievement makes him stand toe to toe with his arch-nemesis, Charles Hicks. Hicks, too, signed a NIL deal when he was roped in by Nike. The 21-year-old long-distance runner competes for Northern Arizona University. Young displayed exceptional skills to become a 2x NCAA champion. 

Not only that, he continued his fine run into the 2024 NCAA Indoor Championships as well. Competing in the 3000m and the 5000m category, the 21-year-old mastered both disciplines to further stamp his authority over the sport. Now, with monetary backing coming his way, Young is definitely the next big thing to watch out for. 

Nico Young is now a NIL contract holder

When Charles Hicks announced a NIL contract with Nike back in 2023, Young might have felt left out. However, instead of lamenting over the missed opportunity, he doubled his efforts with renewed vigor. And come March 2024, Adidas roped in Young too. While the details of the deal are still undisclosed, the Instagram pictures of Nico Young in Adidas apparel definitely make the youngster ooze out confidence. 

As a matter of fact, it was only a matter of time until Young had a NIL agreement. Apart from dominating the college circuit this year, Young is also a proud holder of the 5000m and 10000m collegiate records. While he ran the 5000m in 12:57.14, Young clocked a timing of 26:52.72 for the 10000m discipline. 

While such a deal is currently the talking point, the brewing rivalry between Hicks and Young is seemingly making the fans lick their track-and-field appetite in anticipation. 

Charles Hicks v Nico Young: New rivalry on the tracks?

There have been several rivalries that have taken the track and field realm by storm. Some of the unforgettable ones include that of Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, and currently, Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman. Following a similar path, Hicks and Young are looking to give each other a healthy rivalry with each passing year. 

Read More: NAU Athlete’s Coach Hints at Paris Olympics 2024 After He Bags Double Gold at NCAA Indoor Championships

While Hicks defeated Young in the NCAA cross-country title in 2023, Young came right back in 2024 winning the NCAA Championship. On the contrary, Hicks is in hot pursuit of Young’s 5000m and 10000m collegiate records. Coming ever so close, the Stanford junior has clocked 13:33.89 and 27:47.63 respectively. Thus, with the rivalry shaping up brilliantly, it remains to be seen whether it can go the distance.

Continue To Read: USA’s Nico Young Dismisses Tough NCAA Competition Before The Warm Up To The Olympic Qualifiers