Powell Demolishes the Four-Minute-Mile Barrier
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At the Husky Classic, Mercer Island (Wash.) senior Owen Powell delivered a historic performance, becoming just the seventh high school athlete to break the four-minute barrier in the indoor mile under all conditions.
Clocking an impressive 3:57.74, he not only dipped under the mark but did so decisively, recording one of the fastest indoor miles ever by a high schooler. However, due to the oversized track at the University of Washington, his mark does not qualify for the official all-time rankings. Using NCAA altitude and oversized track conversions, his converted time would be just over four minutes.
From the gun, Powell positioned himself confidently against a collegiate field, passing the first 440 yards in 57-58 seconds. He maintained a strong rhythm, staying in fourth place through the half-mile mark. With 300 meters remaining, he reached 3:13 and shifted into another gear.
HS Boys Runners to Break 4 Minutes Indoors
| Rank | Runner | Time | Year |
| 1 | 3:57.66 | 2021 | |
| 2 | 3:57.74 | 2025 | |
| 3 | 3:57.81 | 2016 | |
| 4 | 3:58.81 | 2022 | |
| 5 | 3:59.11 | 2023 | |
| 6 | 3:59.86 | 2001 | |
| 7 | 3:59.87 | 2024 |
In the closing stretch, he surged past Gonzaga's Wil Smith, setting his sights on Northern Arizona's Caleb Easton. As he crossed the finish line, he glanced at the clock, momentarily stunned by what he had just accomplished.
Powell, who has committed to Washington for the next stage of his career, now joins an elite group of prep runners to have broken four minutes indoors under all conditions, alongside Hobbs Kessler, Drew Hunter, Colin Sahlman, Connor Burns, Alan Webb, and JoJo Jourdon. Across both indoor and outdoor competition, he becomes just the 24th high schooler to run under four minutes in any conditions.