Yared Nuguse set the NCAA Record in the 1500m last night. The former DuPont Manual (KY) prospect already has a 1500m NCAA title to his name amid a variety of other awards. Now, he has an NCAA record, and much more. Not only was his 3:34.68 an NCAA record, but it also gave him the Olympic A Standard, it set the record for the facility, the ACC Championships, and the ACC Conference itself. It also was the fastest time an American has run this season in the event.
Watch his finish here.
*takes deep breath*
YARED NUGUSE IS ON THE LOOOOOOOSE!
?? Fastest time by an American this year
?? Olympic A Standard
?? NCAA Record
?? Track Record
?? Meet Record
?? ACC RecordPhew, we miss any records in that indescribable 1500, @NDXCTF?!#GoIrishpic.twitter.com/oIcRyYTOCi
— The Fighting Irish ? (@FightingIrish) May 14, 2021
The Notre Dame harrier has had an insanely impressive career in South Bend. Coming out of high school, Nuguse was a state champion and his speed in the mile was very obvious. Last night he would close in around 57-58 seconds on his way to his record-breaking time. The NCAA record was previously held by Josh Kerr of New Mexico at 3:35.01 set back on April 20, 2018. The fastest time run by an American collegiate athlete during the college season was Kyle Merber in 3:35.49 set in 2012. So, while Track & Field does have qualifiers, Nuguse blew them all out of the water.
The talented Fighting Irishman was able to do this ahead of the pack the entire race and in a preliminary heat. This wasn’t even for the ACC title. If I was toeing the line in the final with Nuguse, I’m not sure how confident I would be in besting him. His laps broke down to almost identical times. 41.46 for the first 300m and then cranked out 57.44/57.83/57.95. Those splits scream to me that he has more in the tank.
With the Olympic Standard locked down, Nuguse may have started a journey to an incredible senior season. Perhaps one we have never seen and if we have it has been quite a while. If he goes on to win the NCAA 1500m and follows that up by running for Team USA in Tokyo, that would be quite the feat. Between now and the Trials which are about a month away a lot can change. Keep up with Nuguse as you will hear plenty more about him as he continues to be great.
