This is the first of three articles by Sam Fariss, a recent graduate of the University of Oregon in sports journalism. RunBlogRun has been fortunate enough to work with Sam in 2021-2022, after an introduction by Lori Schontz, the Associate professor of Journalism at Oregon, who championed opportunities for young writers and photographers. RunBlogRun has worked with Professor Schontz for several years now. Sam Fariss has a relaxed writing style and loves sports, and we are happy to see her columns!
New and improved American records
By Sam Fariss for RunBlogRun
NEW YORK CITY – The 115th annual Millrose Games happened this past Saturday and not just one, not just two, but three American indoor track records were broken.
There was quite a bit of hype going into the star-studded track and field meet as the athletes showed up in style, a different type of New York Fashion Week(end). However, as the events rolled out, there were three stand-out performances by American athletes.
at The Armory Track
New York, NY
2023-02-11, photo by Kevin Morris
The first record to fall was taken down by On Athletics Club distance runner, Alicia Monson, who finished the 3000-meter competition in a blazing 8 minutes and 25.05 seconds. Monson’s performance knocked Bowerman Track Club Karissa Schweizer’s time of 8:25.70 down to second on the all-time American indoor standings. Not only did the American record get set in this race but Katelyn Tuohy of North Carolina State set the NCAA record with a finish of 8:35.20.
at The Armory Track
New York, NY
2023-02-11, photo by Kevin Morris
Abby Steiner, in her first fully professional season, dropped jaws in the 300-meter competition. Steiner crossed the finish line in just 35.54 seconds. Steiner had an astounding last season with the University of Kentucky as well as competing on Team USA in the World Athletics Championships, helping the women’s 4×100-meter relay team earn gold.
Last but certainly not least, Yared Naguse, a recent Notre Dame star turned pro, set the American indoor mile record on fire in NYC. Naguse finished the 1600-meter race in 3 minutes and 47.38 seconds to earn a first-place prize and the new American record.
at The Armory Track
New York, NY
2023-02-11, photo by Kevin Morris
These three performances are the highest of highlights from the standout weekend for American track and field athletes. Many world leaders and world record holders – including Noah Lyles, Athing Mu, and Sinclair Johnson – were unable to compete or disqualified due to false starts, physical preservation, and food poisoning, respectively.
The track and field season is just starting and with such an impressive showing at the Millrose Games, fans of the sport are surely not to be disappointed as the athletes only continue to improve.
