At the Millrose Games, record-breaking athlete Grant Fisher outperformed Olympic champion Cole Hocker, establishing a new 3K mark.
The Millrose Games, stop four on the World Athletics Indoor Tour, proved to be a night to remember, with world records falling left and right. Let's dive into the most noteworthy races of the evening.
Grant Fisher Writes a New Chapter in Track and Field, Runs 7:22.91 World Record
The 3k men's race was shrouded in anticipation, featuring the likes of Cole Hocker, fresh from his Olympic triumph, and Grant Fisher, the two-time Olympic medalist. This was set to be a battle royale, and it most certainly was.
Hocker, known for his incredible kick, took an early lead, shaking up the competition. Hocker's strategy paid off, but not quite enough to hold off Fisher. As they approached the home stretch, Fisher uncorked an impressive sprint, overtaking Hocker and etching his name into the record books with a new world record of 7:22.91.
After the race, Fisher, in his post-race interview, described the event as a "battle for the ages." He acknowledged the strength of his opponent and showed that he was ready to go toe-to-toe with the best of the best.
The result was an evening that saw three national records, 10 personal bests, and a single season's best record shattered.
Masai Russell and Dylan Beard Dominate in 60-Meter Hurdles
In the 60-meter hurdles, Olympians Masai Russell and Grace Stark set the pace. Russell, who had previously claimed two facility records for her high school Bullis, continued her dominance at the Armory, leading from the start and sealing her first Millrose Games win as a professional athlete with a time of 7.76 seconds.
Russell will have two more opportunities to impress this indoor season, with the USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships in Staten Island on her radar. In an interview, she expressed her excitement, noting that this was the hardest she's ever worked and that she can't wait to see the fruits of her labor.
Meanwhile, Dylan Beard, the unsponsored Walmart deli worker turned Millrose champion, made a name for himself with an impressive 7.38-second run in the men's 60-meter hurdles. With an aggressive start and a strong finish, Beard claimed his second Millrose Games title with a new world lead, personal best, and facility record to boot.
Yared Nuguse Breaks Indoor Mile World Record
The record-breaking streak continued, with Yared Nuguse setting a new world record for the indoor mile at 3:46.63. His time bested that of Olympic bronze medalist Hobbs Kessler, who finished just behind with a time of 3:46.90. Not to be outdone, Yomif Kejelcha's 3:47.01 world record from 2019 was also surpassed during this historic night.
Nuguse had long expressed his determination to break the world record, and his persistence finally paid off in style. This achievement earned him his second Millrose title and left spectators speechless.
Jacious Sears Rising Through the Ranks, Emerging as a Threat for World Title
Jacious Sears, the newly signed Nike athlete, extended her winning streak to three, claiming a time of 7.02 seconds in the 60-meter dash. With a swift progression in times throughout the season – from 7.15 to 7.11 to 7.02 – Sears has quickly emerged as a formidable force in the world of track and field.
Her performance in the 100-meter dash in 2024, with a time of 10.77, was not only the fastest in the world but also the second-fastest ever run by a woman, further underscoring her potential in the sport.
As the current 60-meter world champion, Julien Alfred, has chosen not to defend her title, the door is wide open for someone to seize the opportunity. With Sears in top form, she is emerging as a strong contender to claim the gold for herself at the upcoming world championships.
This season is shaping up to be a golden age for track and field, with top athletes making history at every turn. As the USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships approach, fans can expect nothing but electrifying performances and a battle for the records.
The 3k women's race saw Olympic champion Cole Hocker and Grant Fisher once again face off, with Fisher aiming to claim another world record after his 7:22.91 in the men's race. Masai Russell, who had previously broken facility records in high school hurdles, continued her impressive form with a new professional win in the 60-meter hurdles. Meanwhile, Dylan Beard, an unsponsored Walmart deli worker, shocked the crowd with a new world lead, personal best, and facility record in the men's 60-meter hurdles.
In the mile event, Yared Nuguse broke the previous world record, surpassing not only his own time but also besting the marks set by Olympic bronze medalist Hobbs Kessler and previous record holder Yomif Kejelcha. Emerging as a threat for a world title, Jacious Sears, the newly signed Nike athlete, extended her winning streak in the 60-meter dash and stated intent to challenge for the gold at the upcoming world championships.
