“A Bit of Racing Amnesia”: Yared Nuguse Reveals the Undisclosed Side of Running at Millrose Games

The middle-distance champion with Ethiopian roots, Yared Nuguse has been paving his way through life, smashing records, and creating history on the tracks. Nuguse’s career highlights include winning the 1500 meters in the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships to breaking the NCAA record in 2021, which met the Olympic standard of 3:34.68.

He continued to make history at the Millrose Games last year when he broke an 18-year-old North American indoor record to run the second-fastest mile in history. As he prepares for the 2024 Millrose Games on February 11, Nuguse considers the feelings he experienced during his thrilling first victory. Looking to defend his Wanamaker title this year, the Millrose Games champion undergoes conflicting emotions, but what’s that spurred by?

Yared Nuguse and his murky horde of emotions – Millrose moment

Yared Nuguse is prepared to leave his mark once more at the 116th Millrose Games, which will include medalists from the Olympics and World Championships. In an interview with CITIUS Mag, Nuguse shared his racing experience, when asked, “What happens internally when you hear the bell?” Nuguse said, “Usually there’s a bit of racing amnesia with about 200 to go. I notice when I look back at some races that my expression changes.”

Particularly talking about the last lap when the bell sounds, he added, “It looks like I’m angry – I’m not angry – but I’m feeling like, ‘This is what running is all about. It’s that competitive, visceral urge to keep it going and go as fast as you can.’”

Nuguse had an incredible performance at the 2023 Millrose Games, manoeuvering around the iconic track in New York and finishing the indoor mile with a time of 3:47.38. He also broke the North American indoor record held by Bernard Lagat and nearly failed to break Yomif Kejelcha’s world indoor mile record and his commanding lead over Hicham El Guerrouj’s fastest time. Expectations are high as he returns to the Millrose Games for another chance at success after such an incredible debut feat. However, Nuguse has raised the bar by naming his expected rival in the interview.

An anticipated reunion at the Millroad Games

Nuguse is focused on competition against former NCAA record-holder Josh Kerr, another seasoned opponent participating in Sunday’s race. “It would be really interesting to battle either Josh (Kerr),“ he told CITIUS Mag. The 24-year-old American is ready for another exciting chapter in his racing career after expressing his enthusiasm about facing Britain’s Kerr, who defeated veteran Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

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In addition, Nuguse, the Kalakaua Merrie Mile debut victor, will be up against third finisher Hobbs Kessler in the 1500m event at the forthcoming Millrose Games. With high stakes coupled with Yared Nuguse’s competitive attitude, once again fans are hopeful for another impressive record that will keep his streak going.

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