This Saturday, January 24, German Fernandez ran 3:56.50 for an indoor mile at the Razorback Invitational at the University of Arkansas. I repeat, 3:56.50! That's his first-ever collegiate indoor track race, as well as his first race back from an injury. It is also a new junior world record.
Expectations have been high for Fernandez this year. Fernandez, 18, from Riverbank, CA, is a former high school running star who is now a freshman at Oklahoma State University, coached by Dave Smith. Some predicted a top-10 finish at the NCAA DI Cross Country Championship meet 2 months ago, but he DNF that race because of an Achilles injury.
"I didn't expect to break the record at all," Fernandez told OSU after the race. "That's the best time I've run in my life. I couldn't believe it at first."
No one was sure how soon Fernandez would rebound from last fall's injury. Some critics thought he would not reach the level of success he had in high school, but if his 3:56 mile is any indication, he will surpass it. There is a long track season ahead and he is only a freshman.
**Photo from Facebook.com
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