USATF Indoor Championships 2025: Day 1 Report
The first day of the USATF Indoor Championships at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Saturday, February 23, delivered thrilling performances, highlighted by a meet record in the men’s 3000m and a pair of world-leading sprint hurdle times.
Grant Holloway Extends Streak to 76 Wins
World record holder Grant Holloway continued his dominance in the 60m hurdles, clocking 7.36, equaling his world-leading mark for 2025. His victory extended his incredible unbeaten streak in the event to 76 races, dating back to 2015. Cameron Murray set a lifetime best 7.41 for silver, while Johnny Brackins’ 7.43 earned him bronze and the title of fourth-fastest collegian ever.
Nikki Hiltz Takes Women’s 3000m Title
Nikki Hiltz delivered a stunning final lap surge to capture the women’s 3000m title, clocking 8:48.28 with a blistering 59.66 last lap to edge out Shelby Houlihan (8:48.43) and Whittni Morgan (8:48.56) in a dramatic finish.
Competing in her first U.S. final since 2020 after serving a doping suspension, Houlihan set a relentless pace, attempting a wire-to-wire victory while fending off multiple challengers. However, Hiltz—known for their devastating closing speed—unleashed a powerful kick in the final stretch, overtaking Houlihan in the last meters with a scorching 29.22-second final 200m to claim victory.
Kessler Sets Meet Record in Men's 3000m
Hobbs Kessler surged in the final 400 meters to set a new meet record of 7:38.00, edging out Dylan Jacobs by 0.02 seconds. Kessler’s blistering 27.19 final lap helped him surpass the previous meet record of 7:38.60, set by Ryan Hill in 2015. Sam Gilman closed swiftly to claim third place in 7:38.64, making it a historic race with three runners finishing under the previous record.
Masai Russell Leads Women’s 60m Hurdles
Olympic champion Masai Russell powered through the second half of the women’s 60m hurdles to clock a world-leading 7.74, placing her equal sixth all-time among U.S. performers. Grace Stark, who set a 7.75 in the heats, secured silver with 7.76, and Christina Clemons rounded out the podium with a season-best 7.81.
Katie Moon Wins Third Consecutive Indoor Title
Reigning indoor champion Katie Moon defended her women’s pole vault title with a 4.80m (15-9) clearance. She made strong attempts at 4.90m (16-0.75), showing her championship form. Gabriela Leon and Emily Grove cleared 4.65m (15-3) to take silver and bronze, respectively.
Chase Jackson Dominates Women's Shot Put
American record holder Chase Jackson claimed her third consecutive U.S. indoor title with a throw of 19.65m (64-5.75). She produced four throws beyond 19 meters, showcasing her consistency. Maggie Ewen took silver with 18.86m (61-10.5), and Jessica Ramsey improved her season-best to 18.51m (60-8.75) for third.
James Carter Wins First Triple Jump Title
James Carter claimed his first national title in the men’s triple jump, producing a lifetime best of 16.88m (55-4.75) on his final attempt. Five-time champion Donald Scott finished second with 16.67m (54-8.25), and previous U.S. leader Russell Robinson took bronze at 16.62m (54-6.5).
Monae' Nichols Snatches Women's Long Jump Victory
Monae’ Nichols leapt 6.73m (22-1) on her final attempt to win by just one centimeter over Claire Bryant. Olympic bronze medalist Jasmine Moore finished third with 6.66m (21-10.25), capping an intense battle.
Daniel Haugh Extends Men's Weight Throw Reign
Defending champion Daniel Haugh continued his dominance in the men’s weight throw, registering 25.11m (82-4.75) in round two to secure his third consecutive title. Tanner Berg set a lifetime best of 24.96m (81-10.75) for silver, while Alex Young took bronze with 24.82m (81-5.25).
Chris Nilsen Retains Men's Pole Vault Crown
Olympic silver medalist Chris Nilsen secured his second straight indoor title, clearing 5.70m (18-8.25) on his first attempt. Jacob Wooten and Austin Miller also cleared the same height but settled for silver and bronze due to prior misses.
Corvera and Harris Win 3000m Race Walk Titles
In the men’s 3000m race walk, Emmanuel Corvera won in 11:57.89, three seconds ahead of Jason Crawford. The women’s event saw Lauren Harris set a lifetime best 13:23.83, claiming her first title with a nine-second margin over Maria Michta-Coffey.
Timara Chapman Claims Women’s Pentathlon Victory
NCAA heptathlon champion Timara Chapman delivered strong performances in the long jump, 60m hurdles, and high jump, accumulating 4,555 points to win the women’s pentathlon. Defending champion Cheyenne Nesbitt took second with 4,462 points, while Erin Marsh finished third with 4,423 points.
Kyle Garland Leads Men’s Heptathlon After Day 1
With three event wins, Kyle Garland built a 284-point lead in the men’s heptathlon, scoring 3,615 points. His top performances in the long jump (7.66m), shot put (15.99m), and high jump (2.08m) gave him a comfortable cushion heading into Day 2.
Standouts in Qualifying Rounds
In the 800m prelims, Wes Ferguson (1:45.34) and Kaela Edwards (2:00.44) recorded the fastest times. Chris Bailey (45.15) and Bailey Lear (51.34) led the 400m qualifiers with strong performances.
Live broadcast on Sunday:
The USATF Indoor Championships will continue on Sunday, February 24 and be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. The primetime window on Sunday, February 23, is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET.
