* Will Sumner at the CYUP Misfits Invitational earlier this year
Photo Credit: Nick Zincone
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A two-time national high school record holder continued his successful indoor season at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon in Staten Island, New York.
Woodstock High School senior (GA) Will Sumner lined up against a handful of the world's best 800m runners and held his own, moving up to No. 2 all-time in the event with a time of 1:48.14.
Starting from lane two, Sumner remained in contact with the elite professional field -- including the likes of Mariano Garcia and Bryce Hoppel -- throughout the four-lap race and closed in a final lap time of 26.96, which was the third-fastest finish over the field.
Sumner finished sixth overall and chopped four seconds off his personal best of 1:52.38 to move up to No. 2 all-time. Not only did he set a huge personal best at this meet, but he was also less than a half of a second off of the national high school record.
Bishop Shanahan (PA) graduate Josh Hoey ('19) is the only athlete in history to run faster than Sumner. Hoey's record of 1:47.67 also came in a professional field back in 2018 at the Boston University Last Chance Invitational.
Sumner is one of five athletes to run under 1:50 in the 800m in high school history. The University of Georgia signee entered this meet with a best of 1:52.38 from the end of December.
Related Links:
- WATCH: Will Sumner Breaks 10-Year-Old National Record
- Another National HS Record Goes Down For Will Sumner In 600m