Meet Cole Hocker, the American runner who shocked Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen to win 1500m gold at Paris Olympics 2024

Cole Hocker has taken the world of athletics by storm, scripting one of the greatest upsets in the sport's history. The American runner stunned Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the Paris Olympics, winning in an Olympic record time of 3:27.65.

Kerr and Ingebrigtsen were the overwhelming favorites going into the 1500m final at the Paris Olympics. While the former was the reigning world champion over the distance, the latter was the defending champion, the fourth fastest runner in history, and the fastest man of 2024.

The duo has been in a tense war since the last World Championships, and it looked like the final would be a battle between the two until the last 100 meters, when America's Cole Hocker sprung into the top 3. He first split Ingebrigtsen and Kerr, before taking the lead from the Scottish runner in the final moments.

Hocker had never broken the 3-minute and 30-second barrier over the 1500m in his life. It was an awe-inspiring run from the young athlete as he shocked the two favorites with an Olympic record time of 3:27.65. It marked a huge new personal best for Hocker, making him the fastest American over the distance.

Kerr settled for silver in a national record time of 3:27.79 while the bronze medal was won by Yared Nuguse in 3:27.80. Ingebrigtsen finished outside the podium, clocking an underwhelming 3:28.24s.

Cole Hocker’s family and hometown

Hocker was born on June 26, 2001, to parents Kyle and Janet. He was born and brought up in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hocker’s father, Kyle, was a runner as well during his youth.

Cole Hocker’s Collegiate Career

Hocker was part of the Oregon Ducks track team from 2019 to 2021. He won the mile and 3000m titles during the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships. He was a 2018 Foot Locker Champion and finished runner-up at the 2018 Nike Cross Nationals.

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What other medals has Cole Hocker won in his career?

Athletics - Hocker wins historic 1500m gold at Paris Olympics 2024 (Source: Getty)

Cole Hocker was part of the University of Oregon athletics team before turning pro in 2021. The Olympic champion made his debut at the Millrose Games over the 300m distance. A few weeks later, the 23-year-old broke the American indoor mile record.

Hocker finished 7th at last year's World Championships, clocking a personal best time of 3:30.7. He didn't enjoy much success in the months that followed, before winning a silver medal at the 2024 Indoor World Championships.

Hocker was having a decent season in 2024 before his fortunes changed in the 1500m final at the Paris Olympics. He ran 3:35.27 in the qualification round and 3:32.54 in the semifinals. It was a slow time compared to what others clocked. However, he was the fastest when it mattered, running an all-time great race at the Olympic Games.