Trials of Miles' NYC Qualifier went off Friday under the lights at Icahn Stadium. Race fans were treated to a night featuring Olympians & high powered elites busting rust & hitting standards with a few surprises for good measure. New Yorker writer & author @MalcomGladwell ran an exhibition race against sports writer @Chris_j_Chavez dubbed the "influencer mile” by announcer David Melly (@chaserofsteeples). (Gladwell bested the young man who is 30 years his junior.) Mexican phenom Tonatiu Lopez (@tonatiu_lopez) took down a stacked 800m field again. Sifan Hassan (@sifanhassan) raced Nikki Hiltz (@nikkihiltz) in the 800m also. Between 400m - 500m Hassan made a move from the back of the pack to the lead and held on for the win.
In what was unquestionably the most delightful moment of the night, high schooler Roisin Willis of Stevens Point, WI ran 2:00.48, the fastest 800 of the night besting both Hassan & Hiltz from the "B" heat. Her post heat interview with Ali Feller (@aliontherun1) was full of joy and gratitude. Just behind her in 3rd place in the "B" was another high schooler who qualified for the Olympic trials - Juliette Whittaker (@jwhittaker22)ran 2:01.34.
It's tough to say what any of this racing means for the upcoming US Olympic Trials as some athletes are training through, some are doubling for workout purposes, and there's still lots of time before all the chips are on the table at Hayward where the team will be selected. One thing is clear though, while we wait for the pros to show us the fruits of their extra long Olympic cycle, the kids are showing us that that future is bright.
Heartbreak is proud to be presenting sponsor of @trialsofmilesracing. 📸 @brenden.jpeg
