It’s been 30 years since the first-ever New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, and each iteration produces competition that tops the results from the previous years. Today in Boston, Olympians and world champions such as Noah Lyles and more came to the TRACK at New Balance to showcase what they’ve been working on since the World Championships in Tokyo.
Here’s a guide on which of track and field’s brightest stars made history today.
Hobbs Kessler Makes Huge Statement for 2026 Season
Olympian and U.S. indoor champion Hobbs Kessler can now add another world record to his extensive list of accolades. Earlier in Boston, Kessler put on a stellar performance in the 2000-meters, running 4:48.79 to set a new world and American record.
His performance comes less than 24 hours after Olympic champion Cole Hocker set the American record in the event at the Hokie Invitational, where he ran 4:52.92. This was two seconds faster than the previous record set by Bernard Legat in 2014.
Two-time Olympic bronze medalist Grant Fisher wasn’t far behind Kessler. He controlled the majority of the race but couldn’t defeat Kessler’s strong finish. Fisher ran 4:49.48, also dipping under the American record Hocker set yesterday.
This is Kessler’s first competition of the 2026 track and field season. Last year, the world record holder ended his indoor season on a high note. He earned U.S. titles in the 1500-meters and-3000 meters. He was a favorite to make Team USA after placing 5th at the 2024 Olympics. However, Kessler failed to secure his spot to compete in Tokyo last September.
Despite the disappointment, Kessler’s new world record signals his determination to reclaim everything he lost last season.
Josh Hoey Finds His Rhythm, Surges To New 800M World Record
Kessler wasn’t the only athlete to rewrite history in Boston. Indoor 600-meter world record holder and 800-meter world indoor champion Josh Hoey competed in the 800-meters this afternoon. Paced by his brother Jaxson through 500m, Hoey ran 1:42.50 and set a new indoor 800-meter world record.
Hoey, similar to Kessler, failed to make Team USA in September despite winning the indoor world title in March. The world champion didn’t let this setback stop him from starting his 2026 as the fastest man in history.
The previous world record of 1:42.67, set by Wilson Kepketer in 1997, stood for 29 years.
“This is far from the end of the journey; it’s close to the beginning,” said Hoey.
The now two-time world record holder is juggling the idea of which events he will compete in at the U.S. Championships in a month, according to a FloTrack interview. Depending on how well he does next weekend at the Millrose Games, he may even consider running the 1500-meters at the championships.
Noah Lyles Takes On World Silver Medalist Jareem Richards In The 300M
The final event of the day was the men’s 300-meter dash. The line-up featured seven-time world champion Noah Lyles, two-time Olympic and four-time world champion Vernon Norwood, world champion and bronze medalist Trayvon Bromell, and Jareem Richards, a world gold, silver, and bronze medalist.
In the days leading up to the competition, Norwood and Lyles called each other out on social media, building up hype for the race earlier today.
Lyles had stiff competition going up against Richards and Norwood. Although Lyles has the U20 world record in the 300-meter dash at 31.87, Richards and Norwood are 400-meter dash specialists, giving them more than enough strength to run a solid 300-meter dash. Lyles is known for his impeccable top-end speed in shorter events such as the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. Additionally, it’s been 9 years since Lyles broke the U20 record. Bromell, similar to Lyles, is better known for his skill in shorter events.
Richards didn’t let the pressure of Lyles’ talent deter him from earning his win today. Right at the line, the 400-meter dash world silver medalist out-dipped Lyles and became the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix champion, running 32.14.
Lyles was second with a time of 32.15. Norwood ran a personal best for third, finishing in 32.38. Bromell was fourth in 35.36.
In a post-race interview with NBC, Lyles and Richards said they want a rematch at another meet. If their schedules allow, this could be another exciting race before the World Athletics Indoor Championships in March.
The exciting track and field action will continue next week at the Millrose Games on February 1st at The Armory in New York City. So far, Olympic champions Quincy Wilson, Cole Hocker, and more are confirmed to compete. Live coverage will begin on NBC and Peacock at 4 p.m. EST.
