American middle-distance runner Josh Hoey has opened up he was struggling with some illnes before competing in the stocholm Diamond League last weekend.
Hoey, finished third in the men’s 800 meters at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm with a stunning personal best of 1:42.43.
It was a powerful statement from the 25-year-old. He is among serious contender for a spot on Team USA ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Lining up in his first-ever Diamond League race this year, Hoey held his own in one of the fastest 800m races of the year. He crossed the line behind Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the world silver medallist from Kenya. Wanyonyi clocked a world-leading time and his first sub-1:42 of the season. Olympic and World Championship medalist Djamel Sedjati of Algeria finished second.
“I definitely struggled a bit the last couple weeks,” Hoey revealed in a post-race interview. “I was sick in May, but was able to kind of get my legs back under me, thank God, and came in here… It’s good to kind of get that feeling back after being out of it for a little bit.”
The former U.S. high school record-holder had built momentum during the indoor season but kept a low profile as he transitioned outdoors. In Stockholm, he raced with poise and purpose, sitting behind the leaders before making a strong move with just over 100 meters to go.
“I thought early on I got to stick to the pace here and just kind of run hard. Just run with confidence,” he said. “Tried to go wide with about 120 [meters] to go. I didn’t quite have it but hopefully I wrap things up and get some strength in my legs again and keep trying to close the gap.”
Confident Hoey
It wasn’t just a breakthrough, it was a statement. Hoey’s performance puts him in elite company and in the conversation for medals.
“Yeah,” he said with a nod. “I’m happy to try and keep this momentum going.”
Even as he celebrated a career-best run, Hoey remained grounded and full of gratitude.
“It was great , what a blessing to be here, seriously,” he said. “I’m happy to come out and just praise the Lord, give my best, and I’m happy with the result.”
Hoey now plans to stay in Europe for the next few weeks. He plans to sharpen his form as he builds toward the U.S. Trials.
“I’ll be around for pretty much the next month, hoping to get another eight, a 15, and then another eight.”
Stockholm’s electric atmosphere was one of the biggest he’s experienced on the track. Still, the Philly native joked that he’s had some loud crowds at home too.
“I’ve run at home in Philadelphia a couple times,” he laughed. “Maybe a Diamond League there eventually, but absolutely, this was fantastic.”