Lansing Sun

Aden and Josh Smith are identical twins from Alpena, Michigan, who compete on the Michigan State Men's Track and Field and Cross Country teams. Their similarities extend beyond their physical appearance and running capabilities.

"We're similar [with running times] – it's very close," said Aden. "We've both gone through periods where one of us is doing better than the other, but for the most part it's kind of evened out."

In the 1,500 meters, Josh bests Aden by only 1.01 seconds when comparing their collegiate bests.

Their connection also manifests off the track. "There's some trash talk, for sure," said Aden. "But I feel like it's a lot more playful. It was a lot more competitive in high school. Now it's just like we're working together now that we're in college. We're both just trying to run well."

During high school, they were not committed to attending the same college but eventually decided on Michigan State University (MSU) after visiting several schools together.

"It was always kind of up in the air," said Josh. "We visited the same colleges, then we were both looking at the same schools. After that, one of us was looking at one school versus another, but then we both decided to go to MSU in the end."

Even during recruitment, they wanted to experience it together. "We visited all our schools together and went on all of our visits together and talked to the coaches at similar times – stuff like that," said Aden.

Having completed their fifth years at MSU, they continue to support each other intensely. "It's a huge support system," said Josh. "We talk about things all the time, every day, do all the same stuff. So yeah, we know everything about each other."

Both received Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors in 2021 and 2023 and value being there for each other off the track as well.

"I'd say on a daily basis we say the same stuff a lot," said Josh. "I want to say some people think it's creepy or they think it's kind of cool."

"We're just around each other so much that we think very similarly," added Aden.

On the track this season, distinguishing them can be challenging as their racing splits are nearly identical; however, Josh sports a mustache while Aden is either clean-shaven or has a full beard.