A 1500m duel that turned into a four-way contest

When two people quarrel, a third rejoices. The phrase sums up the epic Paris 1500m final quite nicely. While all eyes were on the duel between the favourites, Olympic champion Ingebrigtsen (NOR) and world champion Kerr (GBR), two US-American athletes launched a sensational finish. At Weltklasse Zürich, the four will meet again for a post-Olympic showdown.

Cole Hocker had already demonstrated his sprint capabilities at the US trials, where he defeated defending champion Yared Nuguse and won in a new personal best of 3:30.59. In Paris, the 23-year-old world indoor championship silver medallist improved his mark again by almost three seconds, winning Olympic gold in 3:27.65 and setting a new continental and an Olympic record in the process. It was no doubt the race of his life, so far.

Crossing the finish line right behind him, Tokyo bronze medallist Josh Kerr took silver in 3:27.79 and set a new British record. For Yared Nuguse, who came in third, it was the first Olympic medal. He, too, finished the race in a new personal best (3:27.80). In contrast, Tokyo winner and European record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen paid dearly for starting out at world record pace and had to make do with fourth place in the end. Of course, the two-time world champion then went on to storm to Olympic gold in the 5000m.

Support fom pacemakers and wavelight technology

At Weltklasse Zürich, the Norwegian superstar is out for revenge. He can count on the service of pacemakers on the first 1000m of the race and on wavelight technology this time around. The Olympic medallists are aware of the scenario at Letzigrund Stadium, of course. In 2023, Nuguse won the competition after an impressive final sprint duel with Kerr. So far, a ninth place has been the best result in Zurich for Hocker.