The 17-year-old Dutch runner is quietly breaking Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s junior record

If you’re not familiar with the name Niels Laros fine. This 17-year-old middle-distance star from the Netherlands will soon make a name for himself in the sport.

Laros won double gold in the 1,500m/3,000m at this summer’s European Athletics U18 Championships, breaking the previous U18 European 1,500m and 3,000m records held by Olympic champions. Jacob Ingebrigtsen.

At the mini-world athletics meet in Zagreb, Croatia on Sunday night, Laros set a personal best of 16 seconds in the 3,000 m, beating East Germany’s previous record of 7:56.40. Hansjörg Kunzestood for 47 years.

Two years ago, Laros’ personal bests were fast but world-shaking (4:00 flat at 1,500m and 8:51 at 3,000m). 7:48.25 over 3,000m.

Laros already has a faster 800m PR than Ingebrigtsen, who recently clocked 1:46.30. In addition, he beat Ingebrigtsen’s previous U18 time at 1,500m and 3,000m. Ingebrigtsen recorded an U18 best of 3:39.92 at 1,500 m, 8:00.01 at 3,000 m and 13:35.84 at 5,000 m.

As of next April, Laros has moved up to the U20 ranks and looks poised to become one of the sport’s biggest stars in the coming years. He already has a professional contract with Nike.

Ingebrigtsen and Laros have never raced each other, but track and field fans will enjoy this matchup in the 1,500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Laros 19 and Ingebrigtsen 23.