PARIS, June 11, 2024
Mills’s Blazing Pace: A New British Record
George Mills‘s stunning performance in Paris highlights a thrilling moment in British athletics, setting the stage for a competitive season.
- George Mills ran the second-fastest 1500m by a Briton.
- Azzedine Habz won the race, setting a meet and French national record.
- Amy Hunt took second in the women’s 200m.
George Mills, in a display of raw speed and determination, clocked the second-fastest 1500m time ever by a British athlete at the Diamond League meet in Paris, finishing in third place. The 26-year-old’s performance is a testament to his rising prominence in the world of athletics.
Did You Know? George Mills is the son of former England footballer Danny Mills. He transitioned from football to athletics in his teens.
Mills, fresh off breaking Sir Mo Farah’s long-standing British 5,000m record in Oslo last week, continued his remarkable form. He ran the race in 3:28.36, bettering farah’s time and solidifying his place as second in the all-time UK list.
Historical Note: Sir Mo Farah held the British 1500m record for many years, showcasing his versatility across different distances. Mills’s recent performances signal a new era in British middle-distance running.
Only josh Kerr has run the distance faster for Great britain, achieving a time of 3:27.79 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Azzedine Habz won the race in front of his home crowd, clocking 3:27.49, a meet record and French national record.Kenya’s Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech set a world junior record in second place in the non-Diamond League race.
Expert Insight: Habz’s victory was especially significant,marking a high point for French athletics on home soil. The atmosphere in the stadium undoubtedly contributed to his record-breaking performance.
In other events, great Britain’s amy Hunt secured second place in the women’s 200m with a season-best time of 22.45, finishing behind American Anavia Battle. Dina Asher-Smith, a former world champion, had to settle for sixth despite a strong start.
Georgia Hunter Bell,aiming for her second Diamond League win of the season,also finished sixth in the women’s 1500m. Ireland’s Sarah Healy came second with a personal best of 3:57.15, behind Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir.
The Diamond League series will now move to Eugene and Monaco before heading to the UK for a sold-out London Athletics Meet on July 19.The finals are scheduled for Zurich on August 27 and 28, just over two weeks before the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Teh Making of a Middle-Distance Runner
George Mills’s remarkable performance in the Paris Diamond League underscores the dedication and strategy required to succeed in middle-distance running. His success is a testament to his hard work and talent,as well as the importance of strong coaching and a strategic approach to racing.
