The USATF Indoor Championships never fail to deliver, and this year was no exception—records were practically begging to be broken. Josh Hoey, the 25-year-old track and field star who refused to stay in the shadows. No longer the underdog, Hoey didn’t just win the 800m—he made history, smashing the US indoor national record again with a mind-blowing 1:43.24. This is the 2nd fastest mark of all time indoors. Right behind him, Brandon Miller clocked a personal best of 1:44.26, but there was no stopping Hoey’s moment.

But in doing so, Josh leads the whole damn! It wasn’t an easy road, though. After the race, he admitted, “There was a lot of pressure on me. A lot of people were expecting me to win, and I knew I had it in me. This is such a blessing—my mom and dad have sacrificed so much, and my two brothers too. It’s a dream effort, and I want to keep going.”

And with a performance like that, the compliments rolled in. Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas even jumped on X to say, “Wow, big Josh Hoey fan!!” Safe to say, Hoey isn’t just rewriting the record books. No, he’s winning over the track and field world. But this victory was more than just a historic run. It was his first-ever national title, a defining moment in his career. The sudden turn of events has transformed Hoey into the favorite champion for the World Indoor event taking place in Nanjing, China.

The 1:43.24 mark of this track and field star represents both the national record and stands as the fastest 800m indoor time across the globe during the present year. His race started powerfully as he ran 50.36 on the first 400 meters and finished in 52.89, thereby showing how his strong legs enabled victory through speed and staying power.

Sharp runner Brandon Miller lagged behind Hoey during the first part but could not overtake him for the lead. Throughout the last hundred meters, Hoey elevated his speed to create a decisive gap between him and his competitors for victory. The second-place finisher, Miller, obtained a personal record at 1:44.26, while Ferguson got third place in 1:44.92. But this wasn’t his first victory in 2025!

Track and field star’s inspiration behind his wins

Earlier in the year, this track and field star won the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix 1,500m. That too, beating distance star Grant Fisher. He then carried that momentum into the 2025 Millrose Games, where he took down Olympian Bryce Hoppel and set an American record of 1:43.90. But breaking records isn’t just about personal glory for Hoey—it’s about inspiring the next generation, especially his own brothers.

Coming from a family of athletes, he knows the sacrifices and dedication it takes to succeed. Josh Hoey’s dominance on the track isn’t just about talent. No, it’s a product of family and an environment built for success. With parents deeply rooted in track and field, he’s had expert guidance from day one. His older brother sets the example, showing him what it takes to compete at a high level.

Meanwhile, his younger brother, Jonah, isn’t just family—he’s a training partner, pushing him every step of the way. This combination of support, hard work, and natural ability has propelled Hoey to the top of the nation’s middle-distance ranks. “I’ve always wanted to measure myself against the best competition possible,” Hoey once said.

He continues, “Getting the chance to race against college and pro athletes was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I knew it would give me my best shot at the national record.” That hunger to compete, paired with the constant challenge of training alongside Jonah, has been a key ingredient in his rise. Training sessions between the two consistently drive each to extend their performance without parting.

Hoey stays humble while continuing his journey but he never forgets the essential element of his success. “I’ve been really blessed,” he said. “My parents guide me every day; they’re the reason I have been able to achieve this success.” Josh Hoey pursues his running career while building a legacy as he runs with his family along his path to being the best.