Reignite the glory of distance running! Is this the rallying cry of Grant Fisher during the current indoor track and field season? Just observe his achievements over the past two weeks. Initially, he secured the runner-up spot in the men’s indoor 1,500m at the Millrose Games. Then, on February 8, he returned to make history again! Grant Fisher completed the men’s 3,000m event in just 7:22.91 minutes, setting a new world record that surpassed Lamecha Girma’s previous mark. In the world of track and field, it’s all about determination, and Fisher has demonstrated he has an abundance of it yet again!

Just take a look at his performance at the 2025 BU Valentine Invitational. On February 14, Fisher established a record in the indoor long-distance discipline. This time, it was in the men’s 5,000m indoor race. Furthermore, the American runner made a sound statement while shattering the record. What was that? The previous record holder was Kenenisa Bekele, recognized as one of the greatest competitors in middle-distance running. Fisher just dethroned him in one event.

In 2004, Bekele took 12:49.60 minutes to establish himself as the world record holder in the men’s 5,000m indoor event. On Friday, Fisher shaved more than five seconds off that timing. He ultimately took 12:44.09 minutes to uproot Bekele’s timing and set his one in place. In the meantime, Fisher’s timing left the American record in the event far behind. Previously, the record (12:51.61 minutes) was in Wood Kincaid’s resume.

But the rise and rise of the 27-year-old brought the record down and set a fresh timing as the present American record. And what about making the distance running great again? Two pieces of evidence might help. 

Initially, the 117th Millrose Games showcased the audience applauding Grant Fisher’s remarkable performance in the men’s 3,000m indoor race. The substantial crowd at the Armory Center ensured that the event was fully appreciated. Moreover, the enthusiastic cheers from the spectators contributed significantly to the event’s overall success.

Additionally, look at the turnout at Boston University on Friday evening. As reported by Jonathan Gault, a staff writer for LetsRun.com, a large assembly of fans came together to witness Grant’s performance during the 2025 BU Valentine Invitational. In the past, hardly anyone had witnessed such a tremendous number of fans attending the late-scheduled events on the list. Undoubtedly, Grant’s presence on the track would have made the fans take an interest in the event. But wait! The enthusiasm of fans extended beyond the physical venue, as online platforms also saw supporters gathering to celebrate the Stanford Cardinal athlete.

On X, the signs of fans’ excitement were evident in the comments. One such comment, however, read, “Grant Fisher is an American hero.” The recognition might give a different vibe to someone coming from a Canadian background and making records representing the USA. Also, in one week, Fisher’s fireworks overpowered two towering athletes’ records. So, is the title, ‘hero,’ justified? You can take the call. However, a few more comments were celebrating Grant Fisher’s performance. 

Grant Fisher is doing everything right to enter history 

After Grant Fisher’s memorable performance on Friday night, someone wrote on X, “Wow Grant Fisher made history.” A justified comment! But Steve Magness pointed at something different. The expert in track and field supports the general shift in long-distance running. On Friday night, while giving Grant flowers, Magness wrote on X, “If I told you this 10 years ago you’d say impossible: An American, Grant Fisher, just took down the indoor 5k world record that was previously held by arguably the greatest track distance runner in history, Keninesa Bekele. 12:44 indoors. The game has changed.” 

According to Magness, the shift has come for multiple reasons. The prominent ones are continuous development in the spikes, the upgraded coaching facility, and the talent pool. But the current trend shows Grant Fisher taking the most advantage of it. 

Kyle Merber, another track and field expert, thinks along similar lines. He wrote on X, “Interested to see if anyone can challenge this guy in a 5k/3k double right now.” The lines might hint at Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Interestingly, the Norwegian competitor is also excelling dramatically on the track. He set an indoor mile record in Lievin on 13th February. Will there be a track fight coming between them? Plenty of contests are on the cards. But a large chunk of fans are banking on Fisher. Their comments remain evidence. One such read, “Who needs a valentine when you have the @winonafighter album drop and Grant Fisher racing a 5k?”

The comment mixes up the tunes from the music and track worlds. Is it a new beginning in the distance running events? If it is, Grant Fisher is the key component behind it!