Sinclaire Johnson Breaks U.S. Mile Record in Historic Diamond League Race in London
In a race that will be remembered for its blistering pace and thrilling finishes, Sinclaire Johnson made history on Saturday at the Diamond League meet in London by running the fastest women’s mile in American history. The 27-year-old American clocked an astonishing 4 minutes, 16.32 seconds, shaving three-hundredths of a second off the previous U.S. record held by Nikki Hiltz (4:16.35 in 2023).
A Remarkable Comeback
What makes Johnson’s achievement even more impressive is the context. This was her first outdoor mile in four years—a return to form after battling injury setbacks, including a tweaked soleus muscle in her right leg just weeks before the 2024 Olympic Trials. At those Trials, she heartbreakingly finished fourth in the 1500m, missing a ticket to the Paris Games by one spot and 0.76 seconds.
Yet, Johnson’s perseverance and talent were on full display in London. Racing against an elite field, she surged into fourth place overall and into the record books as the fastest American woman ever over the mile.
A Historic Field and Legendary Winner
The mile wasn’t just about Johnson’s record. The race was headlined by Ethiopian star Gudaf Tsegay, who delivered a sensational victory in 4:11.88, the second-fastest time in history. Only Faith Kipyegon’s world record of 4:07.64 stands above it. Australia’s Jess Hull also made headlines by finishing second in 4:13.68, the sixth-fastest time ever.
This unforgettable mile reaffirms just how deep and competitive global middle-distance running has become—and that Sinclaire Johnson is right in the thick of it.
Eyes on Eugene and Beyond
Looking ahead, Johnson is slated to compete in the 1500m at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships from July 31–August 3 in Eugene, Oregon. With the top three finishers expected to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo this September, Johnson will have a golden opportunity to punch her ticket and seek redemption on the world stage.
While the mile isn’t contested at global championships, her performance sends a clear message: Johnson is back, and she’s a serious contender for Team USA.
Sprint Showdown: Oblique Seville Tops Noah Lyles
In the sprints, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville pulled off a major win over Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles, clocking 9.86 seconds into a slight headwind (-0.6 m/s). Lyles, still recovering from injury, settled for second in 10.00 seconds in what was his first 100m race since Paris.
Seville’s victory puts him back in the conversation among the world’s elite sprinters, while Kishane Thompson remains the 2025 world leader with his scorching 9.75 from the Jamaican Championships in June—the fastest 100m time in a decade.
Lyles, however, isn’t going anywhere. As the reigning world champion in both the 100m and 200m, he holds byes into Tokyo and is expected to compete in all three rounds of the 200m at the USATF Outdoor Championships.
What’s Next?
With Eugene just around the corner and the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo looming large, the U.S. track and field season is reaching its peak. Athletes like Sinclaire Johnson, Oblique Seville, and Noah Lyles are heating up the track, promising an electric summer of competition.
Track fans—buckle up. The road to Tokyo is just getting started.
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