Cameron Myers, the 20-year-old Australian middle-distance star, delivered a stunning performance at the Paris Diamond League meeting, winning the 1500m in a world-leading time of 3:28.00. The time not only improved his own world-leading mark for 2026 but also broke the Australian and Oceania records previously held by Oliver Hoare, who ran 3:29.41 in 2023.
Dominant victory over strong field
Myers crossed the line well ahead of Frenchman Azeddine Habz, who finished second in 3:29.80, and Britain's 2022 world champion Jake Wightman, who took third with a season's best of 3:29.95. The win elevates Myers to 12th on the all-time world list for the 1500m.
Reflecting on his achievement, Myers said: “Getting the Australian record means so much because, obviously, Olli (Hoare) and Stewy (McSweyn) were athletes that I looked up to a lot growing up. It’s just mental. It’s nice to finally tick it off. I knew I had something good in my legs, so I’m glad I was able to show it.”
Pressure and preparation for Commonwealth Games
Myers acknowledged the challenge of balancing time goals with winning. “Having that exterior pressure on yourself to get a time takes away from the main part of the race, which is winning. It’s going to be huge for me going forward,” he said. The victory comes less than a month before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Myers is scheduled to compete in the mile. He added: “It obviously gives me confidence. It’s going to be a great field and I’m looking forward to a good battle.”
Other Australian records and performances
Sarah Billings also made history in Paris, becoming the fastest Australian woman over 800m. She finished sixth in a race won by Swiss star Audrey Werro, clocking 1:57.01 to lower Jessica Hull's national record of 1:57.15. Billings said: “The depth of middle-distance in Australia is insane, so to run an Australian record when all the other girls are flying is just so exciting.”
Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull ran her fastest 1500m of 2026, finishing fourth in 3:57.22. In the pole vault, Australia's Olympic champion Nina Kennedy cleared 4.70m for third place.
Lyles suffers first defeat of season
In the men's 100m, reigning Olympic champion Noah Lyles experienced his first loss of the season. Fellow American Trayvon Bromell outpaced him, winning in 9.91 seconds at Stade Charlety.
