The representative for emerging teen running talent Cameron Myers has taken a sharp jab at the chairman of selectors for Australian Athletics following his client’s remarkable feat of breaking the under-20 world mile record in the United States on Sunday (AEDT).
Myers impressively recorded a time of 3:47.48 during the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games, an indoor meet held in New York City. This performance not only eclipsed the overall under-20 world record set by Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot, who had clocked 3:48.06 in 2023, but also bested previous records for indoor and outdoor categories.
The race was claimed by American Olympic bronze medallist Yared Nuguse, who sped through the eight laps of the 200m track in a stunning 3:46.43, establishing a new world indoor mile record.
Myers’ impressive mark places him fourth on the all-time list for indoor mile times globally—across all ages, not limited to under-20 runners.
Remarkably, he is still just 18 years old.
This achievement also secured him his first qualification for the world championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September, where he is anticipated to make his senior Australian debut.
In the Wanamaker Mile, Myers finished third, with only Nuguse and fellow American Hobbs Kessler (3:46.90), who came fifth in the metric mile in France, finishing ahead of him.
Cameron Myers in New York City. Supplied
Myers’ manager, James Templeton, expressed strong sentiments towards Peter Hamilton, the chairman of selectors for Australian Athletics, after the race.
“It’s remarkable what Cam just achieved in America. Finishing third in such a strong field and clocking the fourth-fastest indoor mile time ever is simply astounding,” Templeton remarked to Wide World of Sports.
“This is only the beginning; I have no doubt there’s much more to come.”
“He’s performing so well that even Peter Hamilton will have to select him this year.”
Wide World of Sports reached out for comments from Australian Athletics.
Templeton’s remarks stem from the fact that the selection panel for Paris 2024, which included Hamilton and five other members, made the decision not to select Myers for the 1500m event at the Olympics.
Cameron Myers (right) with his manager, James Templeton. Supplied
Alongside Myers, Oliver Hoare, Stewart McSweyn, and Adam Spencer were all vying for selection, but only three spots were available, leading to the latter three being chosen.
Hoare, McSweyn, and Spencer all faced elimination in the repechage round of the 1500m at the Paris Games.
McSweyn took part in both the 1500m and 5000m events in Paris, successfully advancing to the final in the latter.
Despite recording quicker qualifying times in the 1500m than Myers and finishing ahead of him during the 2024 national championships, opinions within the athletics community suggest that Myers, given his youth and exceptional promise, should have been given the opportunity to compete in Paris. He is viewed by many as having a genuine shot at medalling in the 1500m at the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
In addition to breaking the under-20 mile world record on Sunday (AEDT), Myers’ time of 3:47.48 also surpassed Hoare’s open Australian indoor mile record (previously 3:50.83 set in 2022) and matched Hoare’s open national mile record (3:47.48, also achieved in 2022).
Myers was confident prior to the race about his chances of qualifying for the 1500m for the world championships in September, needing to achieve a time of 3:50.00 or faster, and he far surpassed that requirement.
Cameron Myers in action at the Adelaide Invitational in February 2024. Athletics Australia
“I had a feeling something special was coming. I was aiming for around 3:48 or 3:49, so I’m really thrilled with this result,” Myers shared with the media at the event.
“My coach, Dick Telford, told me, ‘You have what it takes to compete with anyone in the world over 1400 metres; just manage the last part as it comes.’ I had a bit left in the tank at the end.”
“It was one of those races that just unfolded perfectly.”
Just prior to Myers’ record-setting mile run on Sunday (AEDT), fellow Australian Ky Robinson achieved a time of 7:30.38 in the 3000m at the same meeting, breaking Myers’ national indoor 3000m record.
Last week, Myers recorded a 7:33.12 in the 3000m at Boston’s New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, usurping the record previously held by Craig Mottram.
Robinson finished fourth in a race won by American Grant Fisher, who set a new indoor world record in the 3000m with a time of 7:22.91.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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