Jess Hull Sets Australian Mile Record at London Diamond League

Australian Olympic silver medallist Jess Hull achieved a remarkable feat by breaking her own Australian and Oceanian mile records during a highly competitive Diamond League meet in London, held on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Despite her record-setting performance, Hull finished in second place, as she faced fierce competition from Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay, who not only won the race but also set a new national record of 4 minutes and 11.88 seconds.

Hull's new Oceanian mile record now stands at 4:13.68, a remarkable improvement over her previous time. "I had a lot of distractions but was just trying to zone into the leader in the second half; it was a solid run," Hull stated after the race. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed satisfaction with lowering her record, although she aimed for a time closer to 4:10.

The Diamond League event attracted a significant audience of 60,000 spectators, showcasing a range of top-tier athletes. In addition to Hull's achievements, fellow Australian Eleanor Patterson earned a silver medal in the high jump, clearing 1.93 meters, while Rose Davies broke the Australian 5,000m record with a time of 14:31.45, finishing third in her event.

The significance of these performances cannot be understated as Australian athletes gear up for the World Championships scheduled in Tokyo in September 2025. According to Athletics Australia’s High-Performance Manager, James Dwyer, the success seen at the Diamond League serves as a strong indicator of the athletes' readiness for the upcoming championships. “We are seeing our athletes pushing their limits and achieving personal bests, which is crucial as we approach the World Championships,” Dwyer remarked.

In the context of global athletics, Hull's achievement adds to a growing legacy of Australian distance runners. According to Dr. Mark Thompson, a sports historian at the University of Sydney, "Jess Hull's record is a reflection of the depth of talent in Australian athletics, particularly in middle-distance running, which has been thriving in recent years."

While Hull's record-breaking run was a highlight, the meet also served to emphasize the competitive nature of international athletics. Young Australian miler Cam Myers faced a setback, finishing 13th in the 1,500 meters after an on-track collision, illustrating the unpredictability of competitive racing.

Additionally, the meet featured other significant performances, including Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia, who broke her national record in the 200m with a time of 21.71 seconds, marking it as the fastest time in the world for the year.

In conclusion, Jess Hull’s record-breaking performance at the London Diamond League not only highlights her individual talent but also signifies the growing strength of Australian athletics on the world stage. As the athletes prepare for the World Championships, they carry with them the hope of further success and the inspiration of their predecessors. The implications of such performances extend beyond mere records, fostering a legacy that encourages future generations of athletes to strive for excellence in their pursuits.