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≡ PRE CLASSIC ≡
The Prefontaine Classic is a two-day affair in 2026, with a tantalizing program on Friday evening in Eugene, Oregon that included two world-leading marks:
● Men/Two-Mile: 8:10,13, Parker Wolfe (USA)
● Men/Hammer: 83.33 m (273-4), Ethan Katzberg (CAN
The men’s two-mile was aimed at the American outdoor record of 8:07.07 by Matt Tegenkamp in 2007, and Mezgebu Sime (ETH) had the lead at 2,000 m, followed by Wolfe. Wolfe took the lead at 2,400 m and had the lead at the bell. And he stayed there, charging down the final straight to win in 8:10.13 and hold off Mohamed Abdilaahi (GER) and the late-sprinting Grant Fisher in third (times not available).
Olympic and World Champion Katzberg dominated the hammer, with four of his throws over 80 m and his world-leading mark in the second round. American Rudy Winkler was a solid second at 81.12 m (266-2), and Trey Knight was fifth (76.48 m/250-11).
World Indoor champ Cooper Lutkenhaus – still just 17 – was the headliner in the men’s 800 m, and he followed the pacer and had the lead with 300 m to go. But Paris Olympian Brandon Miller unleashed an all-out sprint around the final turn and zoomed past Lutkenhaus and won easily in 1:43.68. Lutkenhaus was second in 1:44.62, with 2019 World Champion Donavan Brazier coming up for third in 1:44.86, followed by American record holder Bryce Hoppel (1:45.05).
In the men’s mile, Australia’s two-time Olympian Olli Hoare took over from the pacer with 600 m to go and he took the bell. American Davis Bove took over with 200 m to go and led Stefan Nillessen (NED) on the straight, but they were passed by Liam Murphy and he and Nillessen ran together to the line. Murphy got there first, in 3:50.49, with Nillessen at 3:50.50 and Abel Teffra third in 3:51.13. Bove was fourth in 3:51.42.
NCAA champion Dejeanea Oakley (JAM) was only third into the final straight of the women’s 400 m, but came on in the final 50 m to win in 49.64. American Aaliyah Butler was strong early, but also surged on the straight to pass Stacey Ann Williams (JAM) for second, 49.97 to 50.12. Alexis Holmes of the U.S. was fourth in 50.36.
Canada’s Lucia Stafford stayed with the pacer through the first 1,000 m of the women’s 1,500 m and was all alone and had 15 m at the bell. She was 20 m up with 200 to go, but the lead vaporized around the turn. Stanford’s Juliette Whittaker took over with 75 m to go and she was passed in the final 25 m by Wilma Nielsen (SWE) in 4:05.60, to 4:05.78. Lindsey Butler of the U.S. was third (4:04.46) and Stafford faded to ninth in 4:07.14. Portland Lincoln High junior Ellery Lincoln was eighth in 4:07.06, moving to no. 4 all-time among U.S. preps.
Five women cleared 4.70 m (15-5) in the vault, and Olympic and World Champion Katie Moon cleared 4.80 m (15-9), But Gabriela Leon, Emily Grove and Hana Moll all missed and finished 3-4-5. Two-time World Indoor champ Sandi Morris passed to 4.85 m (15-11) and zoomed into the lead with a first-time clearance!
Moon missed once and passed to 4.90 m (16-0 3/4), but missed twice. So Morris was the winner, and missed all three at 4.90. Morris moves to no. 2 on the world outdoor list for 2026.
Olympic and World Champion Valarie Sion grabbed hold of the women’s discus from the start, leading off the event at 67.48 m (221-5). She improved to 68.64 m (225-2) in the second round, but 2025 Worlds silver winner Jorinde van Klinken (NED) got close at 68.21 m (223-9). That’s how it ended, with Alida van Daalen (NED: 65.02 m/213-4) in third.
The Saturday portion of the meet starts at noon with field events, and NBC joins from 1-3 p.m. Pacific time.
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