Posted: July 21, 2007

Athletics (RRW): Webb Breaks American Record In The Mile

From David Monti © 2007 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com Alan Webb of Reston, Va., broke one of America's most venerated sports records today when he scorched a 3:46.91 mile in a low-key meet in Brasschaat, Belgium tonight, breaking Steve Scott's 25 year-old record of 3:47.69 set in Oslo in 1982. "It was awesome," said Webb by telephone just after setting the record. Then he joked, "I think I have the world record for the least number of spectators." His manager, Ray Flynn, estimated that there were between 500 and 1000 people at the track which is set in a forest, bordered by tall trees. Running in windless and comfortably warm conditions, Webb knocked off approximate quarters of 56.1, 57.4, 56.8 and 56.2, according to Flynn. "It's just really been a tremendous year," Webb continued, pointing out that he still has a long career in front of him. "I'm not done. I'm only 24." Webb, who won the U.S. indoor title at one mile and the outdoor title at 1500m this year, has now registered the fastest time in the world this year for both 1500m (3:30.54) and the mile. Today's race clearly gave him an added boost on his way to the IAAF World Championships in Osaka next month. "I'm definitely looking to kick butt at Worlds," he said. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest