Myers and Billings break national records at Paris Diamond League

Australian middle-distance runner Cameron Myers delivered a stunning performance at the Paris Diamond League, clocking a world-leading 3:28.00 in the 1,500m. This victory not only secured him the win but also shattered the previous Australian and Oceania record of 3:29.41 set by Oliver Hoare in 2023. Myers's time places him 12th on the all-time list and ahead of notable competitors like Azeddine Habz and Jake Wightman.

Myers expressed immense satisfaction with achieving the national record, stating, "Getting the Australian record means so much because, obviously, Olli [Hoare] and Stewy [McSweyn] were athletes that I looked up to a lot growing up. It's just mental." He added, "It's nice to finally tick it off. I knew I had something good in my legs, so I'm glad I was able to show it." The 20-year-old believes this accomplishment will be "huge" for his future races, particularly with the Commonwealth Games approaching.

“

Getting the Australian record means so much because, obviously, Olli [Hoare] and Stewy [McSweyn] were athletes that I looked up to a lot growing up. It's just mental. It's nice to finally tick it off. I knew I had something good in my legs, so I'm glad I was able to show it. Having that exterior pressure on yourself to get a time takes away from the main part of the race, which is winning. It's going to be huge for me going forward.

Adding to Australia's success in Paris, Sarah Billings set a new national record in the 800m, finishing in 1:57.01 and surpassing Jess Hull's previous mark. Billings commented on the remarkable depth within Australian middle-distance running, saying, "The depth of middle-distance in Australia is insane, so to run an Australian record when all the other girls are flying is just so exciting." The race itself saw seven of the ten runners achieve personal bests or area records, underscoring the high level of competition.

Other notable performances included Olympic silver medallist Jess Hull's fastest 1,500m of the season and Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy clearing 4.70m. In a surprising upset, reigning 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles was defeated by fellow American Trayvon Bromell.

“

The depth of middle-distance in Australia is insane, so to run an Australian record when all the other girls are flying is just so exciting.