As of 2009, no college student has ever run the mile faster than 3 minutes, 55.02 seconds.
Saturday night at the 2012 Millrose Games in New York City, BYU's Miles Batty made history by running the mile half a second faster than the three-year-old record, finishing with a time of 3 minutes, 54.54 seconds. He placed second in a heat compiled of professionals and Olympians.
“He ran a very, very smart race,” track coach Mark Robison said. “He made moves and got into positions. … He couldn’t have run a smarter race.”
Preparing not only for the Millrose Games but for the Olympic team, this was only Miles’ second race of the season.
“I couldn’t be happier for Miles, that is what you dream of,” Robison said. “He is going to do some amazing things.'
Coming out a little slow, Batty ran the last half of the race faster than the first half. He positioned himself in a way that by the last lap he was in second place behind Matthew Centrowitz, seven-time All-American and bronze medalist in the 2011 World Championships.
'I was really happy to get the record,' Batty said in a news release. 'It's been a big goal of mine for quite awhile. I wasn't in the best position for the first half of the race and was boxed in against the rail but I just had to be patient and make passes when things opened up. I probably wasted a lot of energy fighting for position, so I would've liked to go a bit faster but I was happy with the race.'
The Wanamaker Mile is a trademark event of the Millrose Games. It is the last event of the meet. Millrose is the most historic indoor track and field event in the world. Participation is solely upon invitation. Athletes range from gold medalists to nationally ranked individuals. This was the first year collegiate athletes were invited to compete.
Batty learned of his opportunity to compete in the 105th Millrose Games from his coach Ed Eyestone earlier this season.
Going into the meet with the goal of setting a new college record, he did what he came there to do.
'What a phenomenal thing he did,' Robison said.