Cooper Teare’s time was the third fastest in the world this year. Photo by Kevin Neri
It’s safe to say that outdoors, especially, Cooper Teare has been a 5K type of guy. An NCAA title, school record and the second fastest time in NCAA history will earn someone that reputation. However, Teare switched things up Friday at the Oregon Twilight Meet, winning the 1,500 meters in 3 minutes, 34.81 seconds — the third fastest time in the world so far this season and a world qualifying standard.
The former Duck had already achieved the world standard in the 5,000 meters, a feat he accomplished back in March at the Cardinal Classic.
“I never really get much of a chance every year to run a 1,500,” said Teare. “I think I’m going to focus on that a little bit and give it a shot. I mean, conditions permitting, this is pretty solid.”
Cole Hocker and Oregon’s Angus Fölmli led the way early, serving as a pair of rabbits. Teare tucked in behind them. Folmli dropped out soon after the first 300 meters. Hocker and Teare slowly built a gap between them and the field, running through the first 800 meters in 1:54.
Hocker and Teare made it through 1,200 meters at around 2:52. Hocker stepped aside shortly after this. There was no resurgence from the rest of the field, leaving Teare to win comfortably.
Teare inked his name next to another record Friday. The performance broke the meet record by just over a second, set last year by Notre Dame’s Yared Neguse. He credited his training partner with the help he provided Friday.
“Cole is one of the most reliable people,” said Teare. “I had full confidence coming in that, you know, he was gonna get me where I needed to be… I don’t think I could have — especially today — done it without him.”
Teare’s performance Friday means he can have two chances to make the U.S. team for the World Athletics Championships this summer.
“I don’t see why I couldn’t make both,” said Teare. “We’ll see what happens when the time comes, but yeah, knowing that I can do that… don’t have to worry about leaning on a world ranking or something.”
