Louisville native Yared Nuguse wins bronze in historic Olympic 1500M

Yared Nuguse was once a state champion at duPont Manual High School in Louisville. Now he’s an Olympic bronze medalist with the ninth fastest time in men’s 1500m history.

The 25-year-old Kentuckian helped make history in Paris on Tuesday, coming back in the 1500m final alongside fellow American and Indianapolis native Cole Hocker, who scored gold in the race. It’s the first time in 112 years two U.S. Olympians medaled in the event.

Nuguse finished with a 3:27.80 while Hocker earned an Olympic record 3:27.65.

Seen as a head-to-head rivalry battle between Great Britain’s Josh Kerr and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the favorites with an intense feud, it was the Americans who stole the show. And they happen to be I-65 neighbors, now sharing the podium in historic fashion.

Take a look at the wild finish, Ingebrigtsen leading the race the entire way, only to be overtaken by the three medalists down the stretch — Nuguse just inches away from stealing silver away from the British star.

WOW. 😱

A STUNNING upset in the men’s 1500m as AMERICAN COLE HOCKER takes gold! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/wlq81lbvSO

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2024

Nuguse grew up in Louisville and actually started out as a bowler, not taking up running until his P.E. teacher at Manual recommended him to the school’s track and cross-country coaches after watching him run miles in class.

“He saw that I would run pretty fast,” the Kentuckian told Eric Crawford of WDRB. “Usually just, like, get to the McDonald’s first for a post-run treat.”

He initially turned down the track coach’s offer, telling him, “It’s not really my kind of thing.”

Today, he is an Olympic bronze medalist.