Editor’s Notes: Nadia Battocletti is an athlete who runs cross country, outdoor track, some limited road races, and now an indoor race. This year I ventured out to the indoor meet in Madrid and was lucky enough to interview Nadia and watch her pre-race, including a fast 300m and 200m.
In Madrid, Nadia finished second in the 1500m, setting a PB that equaled the Italian NR for the 1500m. In Lieven, Nadia set a new PB and Italian NR for the 3000m.
As a practicing Muslim, Nadia cuts back to one workout per day during Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer. Nadia hadn’t raced in a month. Well, he did well with that month of reflection.
Nadia now has her first world medal. Here is a great piece by Stuart.
Photo courtesy of Sportmedia for the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation. Free license for editorial use. For commercial use apply (email protected)
Nadia Battocletti – versatile runner
Nadia Battocletti’s surprise victory in 3000m at the World Indoors showed what a complete runner he is. He was certainly not the favorite to win his first world title. He was relatively inexperienced running inside. 3K seemed too short for him. Add to that the challenge, as a devout Muslim, that he has just finished his midday fast during the holy month of Ramadan. At the age of 25, he is trained by his Italian father. His mother, who was born in Morocco, was also a runner. Nadia is an architecture and engineering student who fits her studies into a busy life.
He has had success in cross country, road and track. He was the 2024 and 2025 European Senior Cross Country Champion. In 2025, he won the European Road 10k. At the 2024 Olympics, he finished second in the 10,000 m and fourth in the 5,000 m. At the 2025 World Championships, he won silver in the 10K and bronze in the 5K. In 2024, I was at the Olympic Stadium for two unforgettable nights when Nadia won the European Championships 5k and 10K.
The result in Torun was as follows.
1 Nadia Battocletti 8:57.64
2 Emily McKay 8:58.12
3 Jessica Hull 8:58.18
The winner then said: “I didn’t expect this result and this form, I surprised myself, especially because I finished Ramadan just two days ago and I also finished my exams recently, so it was a difficult time for me. I knew I was in good shape, but I was still surprised when I crossed the finish line. In training it’s crazy running indoors but I wanted to see what I can do indoors and I was really surprised after winning gold in the triple jump for Italy I need to make some minor adjustments to the training plans, I’ll be running the 5k in the Roman Golden Gala and of course the European Championships will be a long season with indoor and outdoor competitions.
Imagine what she will be able to achieve when she makes running a priority in her life.
13 September 2025 Photo by World Athletics
