The USATF Indoor Championships never fail to deliver, and this year was no exception—records were practically begging to be broken. Josh Hoey, the 25-year-old track and field star who refused to stay in the shadows. No longer the underdog, Hoey didn’t just win the 800m—he made history, smashing the US indoor national record again with a mind-blowing 1:43.24. This is the 2nd-fastest mark of all time indoors. Right behind him, Brandon Miller clocked a personal best of 1:44.26, but there was no stopping Hoey’s moment.
But in doing so, Josh leads the whole damn! It wasn’t an easy road, though. After the race, he admitted, “There was a lot of pressure on me. A lot of people were expecting me to win, and I knew I had it in me. This is such a blessing—my mom and dad have sacrificed so much, and my two brothers too. It’s a dream effort, and I want to keep going.”
And with a performance like that, the compliments rolled in. Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas even jumped on X to say, “Wow, big Josh Hoey fan!!” Safe to say, Hoey isn’t just rewriting the record books—he’s winning over the track and field world. But this victory was more than just a historic run; it was his first-ever national title, a defining moment in his career. In the blink of an eye, Hoey has gone from an underdog to the man to beat, now standing as the favorite to take home the World Indoor title in Nanjing, China.
Wow big Josh Hoey fan!!
— Gabby Thomas (@itsgabbyt) February 23, 2025
This track and field star’s 1:43.24 isn’t just a national record—it’s the fastest indoor 800m time in the world this year. He went out strong, splitting 50.36 through the opening 400m before closing in 52.89, proving he had both speed and endurance to dominate the race. Brandon Miller stayed on his heels early, but try as he might, he couldn’t find a way around Hoey. In the final 100 meters, Hoey shifted into another gear, pulling away to seal the victory. Miller finished second with a personal best of 1:44.26, while Wes Ferguson rounded out the podium in third with a 1:44.92.
Earlier in the year, this track and field star won the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix 1,500m, beating distance star Grant Fisher. He then carried that momentum into the 2025 Millrose Games, where he took down Olympian Bryce Hoppel and set an American record of 1:43.90. But breaking records isn’t just about personal glory for Hoey—it’s about inspiring the next generation, especially his own brothers. Coming from a family of athletes, he knows the sacrifices and dedication it takes to succeed.
Josh Hoey’s dominance on the track isn’t just about talent—it’s a product of family and an environment built for success. With parents deeply rooted in track and field, he’s had expert guidance from day one. His older brother sets the example, showing him what it takes to compete at a high level, while his younger brother, Jonah, isn’t just family—he’s a training partner, pushing him every step of the way. This combination of support, hard work, and natural ability has propelled Hoey to the top of the nation’s middle-distance ranks.
“I’ve always wanted to measure myself against the best competition possible,” Hoey once said. “Getting the chance to race against college and pro athletes was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I knew it would give me my best shot at the national record.” That hunger to compete, paired with the constant challenge of training alongside Jonah, has been a key ingredient in his rise. The two rarely train apart, always pushing each other to new limits. Yet, through it all, Hoey remains humble, never forgetting where it all started.
“I’ve been really blessed,” he said. “My parents guide me every day—they’re the reason I’ve been able to achieve this success.” With his family by his side and an unstoppable drive to be the best, Josh Hoey isn’t just running races—he’s paving the way for a legacy that’s only just beginning.
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