Hiltz claims record eighth US title as Lyles advances in 200m

Nikki Hiltz secured her fourth consecutive outdoor national 1,500m title at the US Athletics Championships in New York, extending her overall record streak to eight titles. Competing at New York's Icahn Stadium, the 31-year-old Californian finished in 4:06.92, edging out Addy Wiley by 0.04 seconds and Emily Mackay, who recorded 4:06.98. The victory adds to her four previous indoor titles, solidifying a dominant period in American middle-distance running. Hiltz credited her grandmother’s presence in the audience for her performance in the final strides.

In the sprint events, reigning world 200m champion Noah Lyles advanced to the final with a qualifying time of 20.51 seconds. Lyles, who holds the American record of 19.31 seconds, had competed in the men’s 100m final on Friday night. Despite noting fatigue, he indicated that the preliminary rounds were necessary to manage his recovery before the final. His progression continues the focus on the 200m discipline, where he remains the primary American contender.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden also advanced to the women’s 200m final, topping her qualifying heat with a time of 22.50 seconds. The 2025 World Championships triple champion slowed before the finish line but maintained the fastest qualifying time. Jefferson-Wooden emphasised her strategy of conserving energy through the turn, aiming to defend her US 200m crown. Her performance sets up a key matchup in the upcoming final.

Field events produced mixed outcomes for American record holders. Sandi Morris, aged 34, won the women’s pole vault by clearing 4.90m. She attempted to break her own American outdoor record of 5.00m by setting the bar at 5.01m but failed on three attempts. Meanwhile, Chase Jackson secured her fifth consecutive US women’s shot put title with a throw of 20.55m, adding to her previous indoor successes.

Other notable results included Alia Armstrong winning the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.38 seconds, narrowly beating Alaysha Johnson by 0.04 seconds. Aaliyah Butler claimed her first US 400m title in 49.93 seconds, while Chris Bailey won the men’s 400m in 44.39 seconds after runner-up Justin Robinson was disqualified for stepping on lane lines. Curtis Thompson won the men’s javelin with a throw of 87.59m, and Nathan Green took the men’s 1,500m title in 3:50.27.