Olympic 1500m champion Cole Hocker will take center stage in Stockholm on June 15 as he lines up for the men’s 5000m at the BAUHAUS-Galan, part of the Wanda Diamond League series.
The American middle-distance star, who shocked the world with his dramatic win over Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is sharpening up for the U.S. Olympic Trials later this month and views the Stockholm meeting as a crucial stepping stone.
“Yeah, I think my plan is to run 5k at Stockholm here in about two weeks,” Cole Hocker said. “I want to get that outdoor 5k in before I run USAs. I have the standard in both events, but I know who I have to race at USAs. The aim is to be sharp in both of those.”
Though this will be his 5000m debut on the Diamond League stage, Hocker has already proven his range over longer distances. He had clocked a sizzling 12:57.82 indoors in Boston earlier this year.
“Obviously the 1500 is still number one priority,” he added. “That team is not a given, even for the Olympic gold medallist. And I know that, and I’d be naive to think I had a secured spot on that team.”
Other top racers
Sharing the spotlight in Stockholm will be Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega. The 2020 Olympic 10,000m gold medallist and former Diamond League 5000m champion. Barega, who won at BAUHAUS-Galan during his 2018 title-winning campaign, brings proven experience and firepower, to what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races on the night.
Swedish standout Andreas Almgren will also feature on the start line. Andreas will hope to use home crowd to edge out the Stars. The versatile national record holder across eight disciplines will be aiming to make a statement against the world-class field.
The men’s 5000m promises to be thrilling and a race to remember.
