USATF OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS | DAY 3 REACTION SHOW: JONAH KOECH UPSETS FIELD TO WIN 1500M, NIKKI HILTZ WINS 8TH U.S. TITLE

Over and over again during the course of today’s program, the same question came up: “What just happened?!”

Heading into a stacked men’s 1500m final, everyone assumed that two spots were spoken for by the two Olympic medalists in the field — Paris champion Cole Hocker and third-placer Yared Nuguse — and that the battle was for the third spot. But teams aren’t made on paper; you still have to run the race.

Nuguse kept everyone honest early, taking the field through 400 meters in 56.23, but he didn’t manage to thin out the field enough by the final lap and would have to settle for fifth in 3:31.34. Hocker got under his meet record from last year’s Olympic Trials with a 3:30.37 finish… but that was only good for third place, as two new contenders, Ethan Strand and Jonah Koech, hit the front in the homestrech and never looked back, with Koech winning his first U.S. title in 3:30.17.

The women’s 1500m was a little bit more predictable, but it was nevertheless thrilling to watch Nikki Hiltz extend their victory streak to an increasingly improbable six U.S. titles with a 4:03.15 win and a blistering 58-second last lap. 

Whether it’s a surprise victory, an unprecedented time, or a tight battle for the last qualifying spot, Hayward Field was delivering plot twists left and right. And with nothing but finals on the docket for the final competition session, get ready for a lot more where that came from.

__________

Hosts: ⁠⁠Chris Chavez⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Eric Jenkins⁠⁠, Aisha Praught-Leer, Paul Hof-Mahoney⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Anderson Emerole⁠⁠

Produced by: ⁠⁠Mac Fleet⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Jasmine Fehr⁠⁠

__________

Find everything you need to know about the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships here:

Listen: Day 2 Recap Show

Listen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Day 1 Recap Show⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CITIUS MAG Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Read: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distance preview⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Sprints + hurdles preview⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Throws + heptathlon preview⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Jumps + decathlon preview⁠⁠⁠⁠

__________

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

NEW BALANCE: The FuelCell Rebel v5 was built to feel fast—and look the part. With a sleek, race-inspired mesh upper and lightweight PEBA/EVA foam blend, it offers a responsive, energetic ride that’s ideal for everything from steady miles to speedwork. A redesigned heel and added forefoot rubber provide comfort and traction, making this your go-to for runs when you want to pick up the pace. The Rebel V5 shows up every time. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 at newbalance.com or your local running shop today.⁠⁠⁠⁠