Josh Thompson, the two-time World Championship 1500m finalist, has announced his decision to leave the Nike Bowerman Track Club and move back to Nevada. He will remain sponsored by Nike.

Here’s what you need to know:

– Thompson shared the following message on Instagram:

“Reflecting on the past 6 years with Bowerman, it’s been an incredibly challenging yet fulfilling journey. I’ve forged lifelong friendships and cherished countless memories along the way. The Bowerman Track Club stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of track and field.

From my college days, my aspiration was to join BTC, train amongst the best, and evolve into an aerobic monster. As my time with BTC concludes, I’m grateful to the coaches for their unwavering belief in me. To my fellow BTC teammates, your support has been instrumental in overcoming both physical and mental obstacles, leaving a special place in my heart for you all.

To the passionate supporters of Bowerman, your cheers are on repeat in my mind as I write these words. Your encouragement has been a constant source of motivation.

Now, as I continue my journey as a Nike athlete, I carry with me the lessons learned and progress made with Bowerman. I’m thrilled to return to my home state of Nevada, eager to refine my skills and prepare for the upcoming outdoor season and a chance to earn my spot on the US Olympic team!

The adventure continues, and I’m grateful for every step of the way. Shoutout to my amazing family – they’ve been my rock through it all. While I’ve been off chasing dreams, my wife’s been holding down the fort, raising our two kiddos practically solo. Now that we’re back together, it’s all about supporting each other, making up for lost time, and being a tight-knit team. Love you guys!”

– Under the guidance of coach Jerry Schumacher, he set personal best of 2:16.38 for 1000m, 3:34.76 for 1500m and 3:52.49 for the mile. He qualified for the 2022 World Indoor Championships and 2022 World Championships and reached both 1500m finals.

– Thompson is looking to rebound from an indoor season where he raced just three times over the mile/1500m distance. He ran a season’s best of 3:59.55 for the mile.

The Bowerman Track Club Exodus

The Bowerman Track Club has seen a wave of departures in the past three years.

– Colleen Quigley left the team and then signed a pro contract with Lululemon. (May 2021)

– Marielle Hall moved to the East Coast to work under coach Kurt Benninger. (Sept. 2021)

– Sinclaire Johnson didn’t see a good fit and joined the Union Athletics Club with Pete Julian. (Sept. 2021)

– Emily Infeld and Kate Grace left and then joined Team Boss to be coached by Joe Bosshard. (Jan. 2022)

– Vanessa Fraser moved to San Francisco for a job but continued to work with Shalane Flanagan. (Aug. 2022)

– Gabriela DeBues-Stafford and her sister Lucia Stafford parted ways with the team after Shelby Houlihan’s positive test and suspension for nandrolone. (April 2022)

– 2016 Olympic 1500m champion Matthew Centrowitz was with the team from 2019 through 2021.

– After Schumacher accepted the Oregon head coach job and decided to move the team from Portland to Eugene, Woody Kincaid (now coached by Mike Smith) Marc Scott (NN Running Team) and Amos Bartelsmeyer (Union Athletics Club) chose to go separate ways.

– Grant Fisher announced he was leaving the team but has yet to announce his future plans.

– Cooper Teare also announced he was leaving the team but has not announced his next move.

– Elise Cranny announced her departure from the team on Nov. 3 and moved back to Colorado to be coached by Joe Bosshard.

– Olympic silver medalist Courtney Frerichs announced her departure in January and is now working with Amy and Alistair Cragg (who also head the PUMA Elite group).