Olympic Trials Men’s 800 — Hoppel MR As 3 Run 1:43

THE STAGE WAS SET for something special after a couple of very fast semis. After Josh Hoey led ’21 Trials winner Clayton Murphy across the line 1:45.73–1:45.76 in semi 1, Hobbs Kessler, in semi 2, let it be known he was a racer to be reckoned with. He and Brandon Miller set personal bests (1:43.71, 1:43.73), towing Abraham Alvarado (1:44.44) and Georgetown’s Tinoda Matsatsa (1:45.12) to PRs, as well.

Tokyo Olympian Bryce Hoppel was no slouch either, taking semi 3 in 1:44.01, with Jonah Koech (1:44.47 PR) and Virginia’s NCAA champion Shane Cohen (1:44.92 PR) also making the final.

At the gun in the final, Miller was quickest coming off the out of the stagger, but Hoppel accelerated a bit more down the back straight and reached 200 in 24.08, just ahead of Miller, Koech and Hoey. Kessler played it conservatively, staying out of trouble back in 8th.

At 300, Hoppel still led Miller, but Kessler decided it was time to move. He charged to the front and closed up behind Hoppel at 400 (51.20–51.26), followed by Alvarado, Miller, Matsatsa, Koech, Hoey, Murphy and Cohen (52.06).

At 500, all were still in contention, but it was Miller’s turn to accelerate, as he challenged Hoppel for the lead. Hoppel had the advantage at 600 (1:17.29) and began his final push with Miller, Kessler and Hoey in hot pursuit.

At 700, with Miller by his shoulder, Hoppel found another gear and poured it on. In a few strides Hoppel’s lead expanded to 5 meters and was growing. Kessler was also on the go, as he sped by a tightening Miller, with Hoey trying his best to grab the elusive third spot.

Hoppel closed in 51.57 to set a Trials record 1:42.77 PR. The time bettered Johnny Gray’s 1:42.80 from 1996 and made the Kansas alum the No. 3 all-time U.S. performer behind Donavan Brazier and Gray.

Kessler became the first American since Rick Wohlhuter in 1976 to qualify for the Games in both the 800 and 1500 with his runner-up 1:43.64. Miller finished not far behind in 1:43.97 and Hoey ran 4th in 1:44.12.

For Hoppel, he admitted his pre-race preparation was vital, saying, “It was hard to sleep last night. I was trying to do everything perfect to a tee. We’ve been here before, we’ve made the Olympic team before. I was following a strict routine and we got it done. I’ve been preparing all year, it’s the…