by Deji Ogeyingbo
Olin Hacker’s Path to the Next Big Breakthrough
Olin Hacker is not the loudest name in track and field, but those who follow the sport closely know how much ground he has covered. He has built his career step by step, race by race, turning near-misses into breakthroughs. As 2025 unfolds, he stands on the edge of something bigger.
The son of former NCAA champion Tim Hacker, Olin grew up in a running household. He ran for the University of Wisconsin, where he made steady progress, balancing competition with academics. He earned a degree in biology and a master’s in kinesiology while developing into a top collegiate runner. His biggest college moment came in 2022 when he won the NCAA 5000m title in a thrilling finish. It was the kind of race that sticks in people’s minds—a calculated move, a late surge, and a title secured.
After that, he turned professional, joining HOKA NAZ Elite. His first year in the pro ranks had its ups and downs, but he continued to push forward. In January 2024, he made a major statement at the BU Terrier Classic, running a personal best of 13:08.76 in the 5000m. It was an indoor race, but the time put him among the best American distance runners. A month later, he proved it was no fluke, finishing second in the 3000m at the USATF Indoor Championships. That performance earned him a spot at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, his first time competing on a global stage.
At Worlds, he lined up against some of the best in the sport. He held his own, staying in contention until the final laps. In the end, he finished fifth—an impressive result for a first-timer. It was another step forward, another lesson learned.
The outdoor season is where things get even more interesting. Hacker has already logged strong performances, including a 3:36.43 in the 1500m and a 7:39.19 in the 3000m. At the U.S. Olympic Trials last year, he ran 13:32.10 in the 5000m, finishing just outside the top spots. It wasn’t the result he wanted, but it reinforced the reality of elite competition. Margins can be small, and opportunities don’t come easy, but he seems up for the task.
Hacker’s strength has always been his ability to grind. He doesn’t fade in the late stages of races. He knows when to move, when to wait, and when to trust his training. That approach helped him set a new personal best of 13:08.76 in Boston last January. In that race, he took control with three laps to go, showing the kind of front-running confidence that wins races.
Cross Champs, photo by Kevin Morris
But Hacker is more than just a numbers guy. His races tell a story of patience, learning, and quiet ambition. He has seen firsthand how fast the new generation of runners is moving. He’s shared the track with Nico Young, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, and Yared Nuguse. He knows the level it takes to compete with them. The question now is: how much more does he have to give?
Looking ahead, Hacker’s focus will be on sharpening his speed and endurance. The Olympic cycle may not have gone his way this time, but there are plenty of races left to run. His goal will be to make the world championship team this year. With his ability to peak at the right time and handle high-level competition, he is still a name to watch. The next few months could bring another big jump.
Cross Champs, photo by Kevin Morris
For now, Hacker keeps doing what he does best, logging the miles, racing smart, and staying in the mix. He might not always be the favorite, but he’s always there, always pushing, always ready for the next opportunity. And in track and field, that’s often how breakthroughs happen.
Editor’s note: On February 8, 2025, at the 117th Millrose Games, Olin Hacker scored a new PB at 3,000 meters, running 7:38.52. Olin told us that he would be running the USATF Indoors, February 22-23, 2025, hoping to make the 2025 World Indoor Championships team. We wish our fellow Wisconsinite the very best of luck!
