Former Harrogate pupil George Mills has run the third fastest time ever by a British athlete in the United States.
Competing in the final of the prestigious Diamond League in Oregon on Saturday, he finished in 3 minutes 47.65 seconds.
Not only was it a personal best, it was the fastest run by a British miler since 1985. Only Steve Cram and Sebastian Coe have ever beaten it.
Mills’ performance was hailed as “absolutely astonishing” by track and field website Athletics Weekly but remarkably he only finished third behind Norwegian superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
Mills told his Instagram followers:
“3.47 for the mile and third in the Diamond League final to close out the season
“it’s been a busy last three weeks but I’m pretty happy with the series of races I’ve managed to put together.”
Dad Danny, the former England footballer who lives in Harrogate, replied:
“Huge progress! So proud of how hard you work, how dedicated you are! Enjoy It – you’ll be back to work soon.”
It was Mills’ third sub 3 minute 50 second mile in succession as he ended the season in superb form.
British middle distance running is exceptionally strong at the moment and Mills will hope to join the likes of countrymen and world champions Jake Wightman and Josh Kerr at next year’s Olympics in Paris.
Mills attended Ashville College, Brackenfield School and St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate but spends most of the year abroad now, training and competing.
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