In one of the most exciting finishes of the year Cole Hocker would claim his first World Indoor medal with a second place finish. The race would come down to the wire with Geordie Beamish, a Northern Arizona alumni, taking the win for New Zealand.
After winning round one on Friday with a 3:39.32, Hocker competed in the men's 1500m final against some of the world's best mid-distance runners. Starting from the sixth position on the bottom waterfall, Hocker swiftly moved towards the rail. He would fight for his position here throughout most of the race and although he ran as far back as eighth he never was separated from the pack.
Although the race did not get out to a fast start the leaders were still able to split a 1:57.08 800m, a 2:26.62 for the K, and 2:55.33 through the 1200m before everyone started to make their final moves with just over a lap to go. Hobbs Kessler would take the bell lap with Hocker running in 5th before shooting out in to lane two to deploy his signature lethal kick. He would moved up to third place on the backstretch before approaching the final turns of the race. Coming down the final stretch it appeared that Cole had planned his move perfectly as he would be able to pass the final two competitors ahead of him, Isaac Nader from Portugal, and Hobbs Kessler, a fellow American who had been up front the entire race. However, he did not anticipate Geordie Beamish's final burst clocking a 12.78 final 100m split to pass on the outside from lane three and steal the victory.
Men's 1500m Final Results from Worlds Indoors (Glasgow)
| Rank | Name | country | time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geordie Beamish | New Zealand | 3:36.54 |
| 2 | Cole Hocker | United States | 3:36.69 |
| 3 | Hobbs Kessler | United States | 3:36.72 |
| 4 | Isaac Nader | Portugal | 3:36.97 |
| 5 | Narve Gilje Nordas | Norway | 3:37.03 |
| 6 | Adel Mechaal | Spain | 3:37.76 |
| 7 | Samuel Tefera | Ethiopia | 3:38.10 |
| 8 | Samuel Pihlstrom | Sweden | 3:38.35 |
| 9 | Biniam Mehary | Ethiopia | 3:40.00 |
| 10 | Vincent Kibet Keter | Kenya | 3:40.04 |
| 11 | Mario Garcia | Spain | 3:40.48 |
| 12 | Ryan Mphahlele | South Africa | 3:41.08 |
| 13 | Kieran Lumb | Canada | 3:41.37 |
| 14 | Adam Fogg | Great Britain | 3:43.81 |
In an interview after the race Hocker reflected how tough it was racing with this group of runners where no one giving any room. He stated how it felt he was in a boxing match for positioning throughout the race on the track. Later, in discussing the upcoming Summer Olympics, he emphasized the importance positioning will play in those races. He would also mention how he needs to trust his ability to take the race when he feels it is right.
This outcome of this race was in stark contrast to their encounter in the 2 mile at the Milrose Games a few weeks ago. Hocker would narrowly defeat Beamish by three hundredths of a second with a time of 8:05.70 in a race that saw the American record fall with Grant Fisher and Hocker both under the previous mark. Fisher would finish with an 8:03.62, second to Josh Kerr.
Although Hocker was not entirely satisfied with his performance, he expressed happiness at taking the silver medal in his debut at the World Indoor Championships.
Related
Cole Hocker World Indoor 1500m Post Race Interview
Hocker Runs 1500m Meet Record at 2024 USATF Indoor Championships
Cole Hocker Runs Historic 2 Mile at 2024 Milrose Games