Duke Athlete & HS Sub 4-Miler Jackson Heidesch Opens Up On His Battles With Mental Health, Almost Quitting The Sport, And His Future Within Track & Field

THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST · Apr 22, 2025 · 1h

The journey of Jackson Heidesch is one of unbridled honesty and crushing heartbreak.

From high school standout to oft-injured Duke student-athlete, Jackson Heidesch has been forced to deal with more than just physical maladies.

It's been 18 months of toil, rehab and bouts of depression for the Iowa native, who is now opening up about his mental health struggles. Jackson will be taking a designated pause from the NCAA to redshirt the entire indoor and outdoor season.

Although he's been through ringer in his short running career, he seems to be setting the stage for a resurgence on and off the…