Scottish athlete and Olympic medallist Nicole Yeargin has boosted Team GB to victory with her skill in the 4x400m relay – and she’s ready to inspire the next generation of sprinters 

You were born in Maryland, USA and your mum is from Dunfermline. What are your earliest memories of visiting Scotland?

Growing up, I visited family in Scotland every other year. I loved being able to walk to the local shop for snacks and magazines, which was so different from growing up in the States. I also remember going on caravan holidays with my sister, and the seafood truck that would come to my gran’s neighbourhood in Fife. I’ve always felt a strong connection to Scotland, and competing has given me the opportunity to dive into that other side of me.

You were the Scottish 400m record holder. When did you clock that you were fast?

I started track and field during my senior year at high school. I came third out of 42 runners when I ran my first-ever 300m race, then continued to set personal bests when I was at college at USC. It felt like all the pieces were clicking into place – then I made the British team for the Tokyo Olympics. 2021 was my first year running overseas, and it showed me I could put my best foot forward wherever I raced.  

Paris 2024 Olympic Games medal wins

What is it about the challenge of the 400m that keeps you interested?

With the 100m, you’re running all out the whole time. The fun thing about the 400m is that you’re running it fast but not all out, so there’s always an opportunity to change and improve – whether you went out too hard in the beginning then had a brilliant close, or went out too slow then picked it up at the end. It’s finding that balance. It’s a long enough sprint that you can change your approach. 

How do you balance out training and personal life?

I live on a ranch in Texas. So when I’m home it’s relaxed – there’s lots of land, open space and animals. It’s a good balance alongside the track life, where I’m always around people and being so disciplined. I do like to head out to events. Recently I was courtside for a Women’s National Basketball Association game in New York, which was fun. But it’s track season, so I made sure I was on a plane at 7am the next day to get back for training.

What does it take to become an elite athlete?

The mental side is the biggest thing. You have highs and lows in life, but you have to be confident mentally that you can do it, regardless of whether you’re fit enough. You’ve got to want to go and get it. I’ve talked to a lot of people who stopped track, and they didn’t like that feeling when they’re on the line and the anxiety’s high. You’re always going to be nervous, but it makes the process a lot easier if you tailor that into something positive – that you’re nervous because you want to do well.

World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26

How have you been prepping for this season’s busy championship schedule?

I’ve been focusing on the second half of my 400m. My biggest struggle in the past was starting as fast as I wanted to, but I’ve been getting out consistently this year. I’m using more energy in the first half, so I’ve been doing a lot of 300ms at race pace to bring my stamina up. At this stage it’s about maintaining my fitness and just tweaking the finer details. I’m excited to be around my family in the UK before I head to the European Athletics Championships. 

How do you hope you can inspire the next track generation?

As a Scottish 400m athlete, I’ve often been the only one on championship teams, so I’d love to see more Scottish women coming through and competing at that level. Rebecca Grieve is doing awesomely this year – and that’s where it starts. The 400m in Great Britain has definitely progressed on the women’s side since I started in 2021. I think it’s important for people to realise that you can compete in elite sport and also have a life. You can travel, do what you love doing, and there’ll still be time for the next chapter.