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.

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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 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.

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