Nia Atkins takes 8 Questions from RunBlogRun

Nia Atkins is your USATF champion at 800 meters indoors and outdoors in 2023. In the World Championships, Nia Atkins not only made it to the final, she took sixth and ran a PB of 1:57.73. Nia Atkins is a member of the Brooks Beasts TC, which she joined in 2020. Nia Atkins is coached by Danny Mackey. 

Nia Atkins is also a musician. Nia records her own music.

In December 2023, I was fortunate to listen to Nia Atkins and Josh Kerr speak to dealers at the Brooks booth at the Running Event. Nia is a thoughtful speaker with quiet confidence. 

We provided Nia with these 9 questions, whittled down from my original 30. We thank Nia for her time and enthusiasm. We also thank Megan Stills and Jazmine  of Brooks Communications for helping us facilitate these interviews. 

RunBlogRun, # 1. What was your first experience in track?

Nia Atkins:  My first experience in track was in elementary school. We had a run club on Tuesday where for every lap you ran, you got a point, and after a certain amount of laps, you’d get prizes. It was during recess, and I remember just running the whole time to get the points and, obviously, the candy or whatever the reward was after. 

RunBlogRun, #2. What surprised you about your experience in Budapest?

Nia Atkins: What surprised me was how much fun I had. I never felt stressed or overwhelmed, which I know can be rare for a first-time championship experience.

RunBlogRun, # 3. What do you love about the 800 meters?

Nia Atkins: I love how quickly you have to think on your feet. It’s the fastest non-laned event, so it’s unforgiving if you make a tactical mistake. The event is stacked right now, and it’s such a blessing to be among so many amazing women.  

RunBlogRun, # 4. When did you know that you and Danny Mackey worked well together?

Nia Atkins: When I fell at Trials in 2021, I was super disappointed and embarrassed and sad naturally. That was my first year training with Danny, we were still fairly new to each other, and then had to face that big challenge mid-season. In conversation and training thereafter, he really treated the person who was affected by that—not just the athlete. From there, we were able to pull together a consistent summer of racing and an…