Grant Fisher made history by breaking world records in consecutive feats. The American distance runner achieved this remarkable feat in February when he set new records in the indoor 3,000m and 5,000m races within a span of six days.
Reflecting on these extraordinary accomplishments, Fisher described them as rare moments where all the elements aligned perfectly for him. During races in New York and Boston, he felt unbeatable as he surpassed the previous records in both events.
At the Millrose Games on February 8, Fisher ran a blazing 7:22.91 in the 3,000m, outpacing his compatriot Cole Hocker to claim the world record. Just a few days later on Valentine’s Day in Boston, he ran a solo 12:44.09 in the 5,000m, breaking the record previously held by the legendary Kenenisa Bekele.
Even now, Fisher finds it surreal to have his name associated with these impressive times. Running under different circumstances in both races, he faced tough competition in New York but pushed himself to the limit in Boston without a direct competitor.
Fisher’s recent achievements have elevated his status in the world of distance running, following his Olympic bronze medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m events last year. He is now gearing up to compete in the Grand Slam Track meet in Jamaica, a prestigious event featuring elite sprint and endurance athletes.
Looking ahead, Fisher aims to maintain his winning streak as he competes in multiple events across the Grand Slam Track series. His ultimate goal is to not only test his speed but also to outperform his rivals on the track.
As one of the contracted racers for Grand Slam Track, Fisher will face strong contenders such as Kenyan Ronald Kwemoi. However, he won’t be competing against Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the gold medalist from the Paris race, who is not part of the lineup.
Fisher is excited about the new Grand Slam Track series, which he believes will provide a platform for the fastest runners to compete against each other more frequently. He sees this as an opportunity to determine the world’s top athletes in a season-long competition outside of the Olympics and World Athletics Championships. Fisher is determined to win every race, as he feels he is world-class and has come close to being the best before, but has yet to claim that title.
Reflecting on his recent achievements, including a bronze in the 5,000m at the Paris Olympics, Fisher acknowledges that a coaching change last year has been pivotal in his career. Moving from the Bowerman Track Club to train with his high school coach in Park City, Utah, and incorporating altitude training, has significantly contributed to his development, leading to world records and Olympic success.
Fisher is proud to be part of the current strong contingent of male distance runners in the US, alongside athletes like Hocker and Nuguse. He believes that American distance running is thriving, with past performances by athletes like Matt Centrowitz and Galen Rupp inspiring the current generation to compete fearlessly on the global stage.
With his newfound self-belief and continued success, Fisher is optimistic about his future in the sport. As he continues to achieve remarkable results and solidify his place among the sport’s elite, Fisher anticipates more exciting opportunities on the horizon. Stay updated with all the latest news by creating an account on CNN.com.
