Men’s 800 Final: Three Under 1:44 as Hoppel Shines

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World indoor champ Bryce Hoppel pulled away in the last 100 to run a almost half second PB of 1:42.77 to capture his third straight US this afternoon at the 2024 US Olympic Track and Field Trials and make his second-straight Olympic team. Training partner Hobbs Kessler finished in second in 1:43.64 and Brooks Beast Brandon Miller who went for the win was third in 1:43.97.

Clayton Murphy, the winner of the last two Trials, finished all the way back in 7th.

The Race

In a race where everyone was trying to get out quickly, it was Bryce Hoppel who paced the field out through 200 in 24.08 with the entire field right behind him. Hoppel would continue to lead at 400 coming through in 51.20 with training partner Hobbs Kessler, who spent the first lap moving through the field, in second and Brandon Miller on Kessler’s shoulder in third. With 250 to go Miller made a strong move to the front, but his lead was short-lived as Hoppel immediately responded reclaiming the lead by 200 to go as the pair had a little daylight on Kessler. Miller had to run on the outside shoulder of Hoppel around the bend and paid the price as he started to slide back as they hit the home straight. Hoppel started to pull away as Kessler who had regained contact with 100 to go made a move to pass Miller with 50 to go on his inside to claim second as Miller held on for third.

Sit tight as more analysis and interviews will be added to this article later.