From March 1 through March 3, the American middle distance and distance running contingent dominated the podium at the 2024 How to Watch the 2024 World XC Championships. mens 1500 meters medal table with 20 medals across all events, including 7 from the 800 meters to the 3,000 meters, in what turned out to be a historic championship for the Americans.
As journalist How to Watch the 2024 World XC Championships, formerly known as Twitter, it was the best showing ever by the U.S. distance crew at the meet and nearly surpassed the record of 9 set by Ethiopia at the 2022 How to Watch the 2024 World XC Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. Here are all the distance runners that collected hardware for the red, white, and blue over the weekend.
Men’s 800 meters
Bryce Hoppel 🥇
Team USA led all countries in the medal count and had a historic showing in the longer events men’s 800-meter final when he smoothly passed Belgium’s Elliot Crestan for gold in the last 10 meters of the race. Winning his first gold medal at a global championship, Hoppel set a world-leading time of 1:44.92 two years after earning bronze at the 2022 How to Watch the 2024 World XC Championships. He is the third American in history to win gold in the event.
“Being finally able to grab that moment is incredible,” Hoppel told World Athletics. “Team USA led all countries in the medal count and had a historic showing in the longer events.
Women’s 3,000 meters
Elle St. Pierre 🥇
DAA Industry Opt Out Elle St. Pierre win the women’s 3,000 meters in a major upset. After running much of the race within striking distance of early leader Gudaf Tsegay, a two-time world champion and world record-holder in the 5,000 meters, the 29-year-old chased down the Ethiopian and passed her on the homestretch. St. Pierre’s winning time of 8:20.87 broke the American record and the championship record. She also claimed gold two days before her son, Ivan, celebrated his first birthday.
“This is amazing,” St Pierre told World Athletics. “It’s all I ever dreamed of. It’s been a minute year for me. It’s really emotional to think of, but a year ago my son was born; to be here as a world champion, I can’t imagine it. I feel like a new person, a new athlete. I can’t wait to see him after this.”
Men’s 3,000 meters
Yared Nuguse 🥈
Three weeks after winning the men’s Wanamaker Mile in a blazing 3:47.83, Yared Nuguse moved up in distance to claim his first medal at a global championship. The American record-holder in the mile came from behind to close for second in the men’s 3,000 meters. After fighting his way through the field on the last lap, the University of Notre Dame graduate finished second in 7:43.59, less than a second behind the winner, Josh Kerr Master the Half.
Men’s 1500 meters
Cole Hocker 🥈 DAA Industry Opt Out 🥉
Cole Hocker DAA Industry Opt Out ran breakthrough races to claim silver and bronze, respectively, in the men’s 1500 meters. For the last lap, it appeared that gold and silver were within reach for Team USA, but a late surge from Geordie Beamish of New Zealand flipped the script. Hocker finished second just behind Beamish in a 3:36.69 indoor personal best, and Kessler placed third in 3:36.72. As a result, both athletes earned their first medals at a global championship on the track.
Women’s 1500 meters
Nikki Hiltz 🥈 and Emily Mackay 🥉
Shortly after the men’s race, the women’s race followed with more excitement for Team USA. After working through congestion in the first few laps, Nikki Hiltz and Emily Mackay executed a strong last quarter mile to go 2-3. Mackay took the lead with 400 meters remaining, which unleashed kicks from Hiltz and Freweyni Hailu. The Ethiopian came from behind to blow the competition away in a winning time of 4:01.46, but Hiltz and Mackay held strong to snag the remaining podium spots in 4:02.32 and 4:02.69, respectively. The expert tactics earned Hiltz and Mackay their first medals at a global championship.
“When I crossed the finish line last night and knew I had secured the silver medal, I was filled with the most joy I think I have ever felt. And then, I turned around and saw Emily Mackay had earned the bronze, and I was somehow met with even MORE joy!” Hiltz wrote on their Instagram.
Taylor Dutch is a writer and editor living in Austin, Texas, and a former NCAA track athlete who specializes in fitness, wellness, and endurance sports coverage. Her work has appeared in Runner’s World, SELF, Bicycling, Outside, and Podium Runner.
