As a high schooler in New Zealand, Nick became the nation's fastest prep ever running 4:01.33 in the mile. In 2002 he was 4th in the World Junior 1,500m. He moved to the USA to attend college at the University of Michigan. While there, Willis was part of 2 NCAA relay records (Indoor DMR and outdoor 4xMile). The DMR was also a World Record. He was twice named the Penn Relays Collegiate male athlete of the meet. At NCAAs, Nick was the 2005 Indoor mile champ, 2004 3,000m runner-up, 2005 outdoor 5,000m third-place finisher, and a member of the 2004 Distance Medly Relay championship team. In cross country, his highest NCAA finish was 18th.
After college, Nick signed with Reebok, but remained in Ann Arbor to train. He qualified for the Olympics in 2004, won the 2006 Common Wealth Games, and made the finals of the 2007 World Champs, all at 1,500m. In 2008, Nick had his best year, which was capped with a 3rd place finish in the Olympic 1,500m. After the race winner was stripped of his medal for testing positive for PEDs, Willis was upgraded from bronze medalist to silver medalist. Nick also holds the New Zealand record at 1,500m with a 3:32.17 lifetime best.
