Australian runners shatter national records in Paris

At just 20 years old, Cameron Myers has become the fastest Australian ever to run 1,500 meters, and he did it while winning against the world's best in Paris.

Myers crossed the finish line in 3:28.00 at the Diamond League meet, breaking Oliver Hoare's national record set in 2023. The young star didn't just edge past the competition—he dominated, beating France's Azeddine Habz and Britain's 2022 world champion Jake Wightman to claim gold.

"Getting the Australian record means so much because, obviously, Olli and Stewy [McSweyn] were athletes that I looked up to a lot growing up," Myers said after the race. "It's just mental."

The victory means more than bragging rights. Myers now holds the world's fastest 1,500m time of 2026 and ranks 12th on the all-time list globally.

But Myers wasn't the only Australian making history that day. Sarah Billings shattered the women's 800m national record, clocking 1:57.01 to beat Jess Hull's previous mark of 1:57.15.

Billings finished sixth in a blazing fast race where seven of the ten runners set personal bests or area records. Swiss runner Audrey Werro won with a world-leading time of 1:53.80.

The Ripple Effect

Australia's middle-distance running scene is experiencing a golden era. With Myers, Billings, Hull, and others all pushing each other to new heights, the country is becoming a global force in track and field.

"The depth of middle-distance in Australia is insane, so to run an Australian record when all the other girls are flying is just so exciting," Billings said. Her words capture the rising tide lifting all boats—when athletes inspire each other, everyone gets faster.

The timing couldn't be better. Myers heads to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month, where he'll compete in the mile with fresh confidence from his Paris performance.

Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy also competed in Paris, clearing 4.70m for third place. Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Hull ran her fastest 1,500m of 2026 at 3:57.22.

Two records broken, two athletes at the start of brilliant careers, and a whole generation of Australians inspired to lace up their running shoes.