Redshirt freshman Sam Tanner runs fastest 1500m by a Husky...

TAURANGA, New Zealand--University of Washington redshirt freshman Sam Tanner (left/photo by Paul Merca) wasted no time ringing in the new year at the Tauranga Twilight meet, running the fastest time ever by a Husky over 1500 meters Friday night.

Tanner, who opened his outdoor season on December 1st by running a personal best 3:38.04, dropped his time down to 3:36.44 in winning the Tauranga Twilight meet.

Still just twenty years old, Tanner's time is the fastest ever run by a Husky and new #1 time in the world. Izaic Yorks still has the official in-season school record of 3:37.74 set in 2016. Tanner remained at home taking University of Washington online classes this fall due to Covid-19.

Husky head coach Andy Powell said of Tanner's effort, "Sam's time is really incredible considering the circumstances. Special thanks to Craig Kirkwood, Steve Willis, and Athletics New Zealand for working with Sam and setting up such a great opportunity. We look forward to Sam's return to the University of Washington."

Tanner is now less than 1.5 seconds away from the Tokyo Olympic and Oregon2022 world championships qualifying standard of 3:35.00.

Courtesy of the meet organizers, the finish line photo with the official times are posted below.

NOTE: The Tauranga Ramblers and the sports information office of the University of Washington contributed to this report.

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