Nuguse runs 3:34.68 in exceptional solo effort to earn Olympic standard, eclipse 2018 mark of 3:35.01 achieved by Kerr at Bryan Clay Invitational, producing fastest time by an American this year and ascending to No. 8 in the world

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Several of the biggest career highlights achieved by Notre Dame senior Yared Nuguse have come by the narrowest of margins, including his victory in the 1,500 meters at the 2019 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships.

Nuguse achieved another memorable 1,500 performance Thursday in the prelims at the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships at Paul Derr Track in Raleigh, N.C., and this time, it was not only a solo showcase, but the most impressive effort in NCAA history.

Nuguse clocked 3 minutes, 34.68 seconds to eclipse the 2018 collegiate record of 3:35.01 produced by former New Mexico standout Josh Kerr at the 2018 Bryan Clay Invitational at Azusa Pacific University.

Nuguse, who covered the final 400 meters in 57.95 seconds, also achieved the Olympic standard and ran the fastest time by an American athlete this year, elevating to No. 8 in the world. He joined Matthew Centrowitz, Craig Engels and Josh Thompson as the only American 1,500 competitors with the Olympic standard, finishing more than eight seconds ahead of runner-up Wes Porter of Virginia at 3:42.92.

Nuguse had clocked 3:35.96 on May 7 to hold off Oregon’s Cooper Teare (3:35.97) in only his second outdoor 1,500 race since winning the 2019 title at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas, edging Michigan State’s Justine Kiprotich by a 3:41.381 to 3:41.384 margin.