Skip to main content
Mostly Clear icon
51º

Ann Arbor native headed to Paris Olympics after qualifying runs

Hobbs Kessler (Ann Arbor, Michigan), a Michigan high schooler who set a national prep record with his 3:57.66, taking down Drew Hunter’s previous record of 3:57.81 from 2016. (USATF)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Hobbs Kessler will represent the United States (and Tree Town) when he touches down in Paris, France, for the Olympics later this month.

The 21-year-old athlete qualified for both the men’s 800-meter and 1500-meter run during the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, landing him a spot on Team USA.

Recommended Videos



On June 24, Kessler finished third for the 1500-meter after running a personal best of 3 minutes and 31.53 seconds. He achieved another personal best after placing second for the 800-meter run on Sunday, June 30.

A graduate of Skyline High School, he broke records in 2021 when he ran the 1500-meter in 3 minutes and 34.36 seconds as a senior. This qualified him for the 2021 Olympic Trials and he later signed a deal with Adidas.

Kessler missed out on a chance to be on the podium for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, but will have a chance to go for gold during the Summer Games in early August.

The men’s 1500-meter will start on Aug.2 with finals happening on Aug. 6. The men’s 800-meter will then start on Aug. 7, with finals anticipated for Aug. 10.

Read: Complete Olympic coverage


About the Author
Sarah Parlette headshot

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

Loading...

Recommended Videos