New York: Donovan Brazier set a world best by winning the 600 meters in 1min 13.77secs on Sunday at the US Indoor Track and Field Championships.
The 21-year-old 800m runner from Michigan smashed the old 600 mark of 1:14.79 set in January 2018 by Kenya's Michael Saruni, who edged Brazier two weeks ago at 800 in the Millrose Games.
"I was just trying to win today. I didn't want to spoil it trying to get a record," Brazier said. "Because I didn't win (at Millrose) I was still hungry. I went out a little fast and I was able to hang on."
Brazier said the win at the less-contested distance signals good things ahead for a season that features a US outdoor meet in July and the World Championships in September and October at Doha, Qatar.
"I can afford to take a little rest because I got in this shape this early," he said. "I can come back in May."
Sam Ellison was a distant second in the US men's 600 final in 1:15.20 with Kameron Jones third in 1:15.32.