Which athlete set a new indoor world record in the men's 800m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in January 2026?

At the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in January 2026, American middle-distance runner Josh Hoey made history by setting a new indoor world record in the men's 800 meters. His remarkable time of 1:42.50 shattered the long-standing record of 1:42.67, which had been held by Denmark's Wilson Kipketer since 1997. This achievement marked a significant moment in indoor track and field, as Kipketer's record had stood for nearly 29 years, considered one of the toughest records to break in the sport.

Hoey's record-breaking performance on January 24, 2026, at The Track at New Balance in Boston, was a testament to his strategic racing and impressive fitness. He was expertly paced through the initial laps by his brother, Jaxson Hoey, who guided him through the first 500 meters. This collaborative effort allowed Josh to maintain a blistering pace, ultimately enabling him to close out the race solo and secure his place in the record books.

This was not Hoey's only record-setting performance during the 2026 indoor season. Just less than two months prior, in December, he had also established a new world record in the indoor 600 meters. Furthermore, Hoey entered this event as the reigning world indoor champion in the 800m, having claimed the title in 2025. The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix itself proved to be a fast track that day, with another world record falling as Hobbs Kessler set a new best in the men's 2000 meters. These achievements underscore the growing prominence of indoor track and field and the exceptional talent pushing the boundaries of the sport.