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40 years on – revisiting the world records of Kristiansen, Aouita and Cram | News | Heritage

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It was shortly before 11:30pm in the Land of the Midnight Sun when Steve Cram – in the words of the BBC television commentator David Coleman – “came majestically striding away” down the home straight of the Bislett Stadium to “crack the world record for the mile.”

On that never-to-be-forgotten Saturday evening 40 years ago – on 27 July 1985 – the tall, long-striding Briton not so much cracked the global mark for the classic distance as cast it to all four corners of the grand old Oslo arena.  

Having metaphorically run the legs off Sebastian Coe, who faded to third behind the Spaniard Jose-Luis Gonzalez, Cram crossed the line in 3:46.32, more than a full second (1.01) inside the world record set by his celebrated compatriot in Brussels four years earlier.

And so ended the night of nights inside the Norwegian citadel of track and field.

Three world records had fallen in the space of three hours in the 1985 edition of the Bislett Games.

Metronomic magic – first sub-31-minute 10,000m

First up was an Oslo resident in the women’s 10,000m.

Roared on by a capacity crowd of 19,231, Ingrid Kristiansen pushed back the boundaries of women’s distance running for a third time in 12 months.

Having become the first female to break 15 minutes for 5000m with her 14:58.89 clocking at the 1984 Bislett Games and threatened to crack 2:20:00 for 26.2 miles before finishing with a 2:21:06 world record in the 1985 London Marathon, the 29-year-old Norwegian produced a barrier-breaking 10,000m performance on home ground.

Taking the lead after 2200m, Kristiansen metronomically reeled off laps of 74 seconds before closing with a final circuit of 67.89 to break Olga Bondarenko’s world record of 31:13.78.  

She also broke the 31-minute barrier, crossing the line in 30:59.42. “I would have been very disappointed if the time had been over 31 minutes,” Kristiansen confessed.

The former cross country skiing prodigy earned a place in track and field posterity as the first runner, male or female, to simultaneously hold world records at 5000m, 10,000m and the marathon.

The gods eventually favour Aouita

Said Aouita also demonstrated an impressively broad range, running under 1:44 for 800m, sub-3:30 for 1500m, under 7:30 for 5000m and sub-27:30 for 10,000m.

The smooth-striding Moroccan won 5000m Olympic gold in Los Angeles in 1984 and 800m bronze in Seoul four years later.

The first of his four world records came in between the Kristiansen and Cram shows at Bislett – 11 days after the epic 1500m duel in Nice which the victorious Cram (3:29.67) and Aouita (3:29.71) became the first men to break 3:30.

Aouita reached the bell in the 5000m in 12:05.96, a huge 3.29 behind Dave Moorcroft’s split time en route to his 13:00.41 world record at Bislett in 1982.

Unlike the Briton, however, the magical young runner from Fes was not on a solo mission.

Pushed by former 1500m world record-holder Sydney Maree, Aouita flew round the final lap in a phenomenal 54.4, breaking Moorcroft’s record by 0.01 with 13:00.40. Maree clocked 13:01.15 as runner up.

“I thought the gods were against me in world record attempts,” said Aouita, relieved to have finally made a global mark.

Though disappointed to have missed breaking 13 minutes by a whisker, his time would come with a barrier-breaking 12:58.39 in Rome two years later.

“Something to aim for over all these years”

As for Cram, he was at the peak of his powers as he lined up alongside Coe for the hugely anticipated Dream Mile, scheduled for an 11:26pm start, local time, to suit US television.

Winner of the 1500m at the inaugural World Athletics Championships in Helsinki in 1983, Cram had been seriously hampered by a calf injury in the build up to the 1984 Olympics in LA, taking a consolation silver medal as the princely Coe emerged from two years of illness and injury to become the first man in modern history to successfully defend the Olympic 1500m title.

After years of learning his craft while Coe and Steve Ovett serially rewrote the world record book, the 24-year-old in the yellow and black Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club vest showed with his momentous 1500m run in Nice that he was a Great British middle-distance trailblazer in his own right.

Over the course of the four laps in Oslo, on the track where Coe had set four of his eight outdoor world records, Cram proved a majestic class apart.

Despite his performance on the Cote d’Azur, the younger Briton was chasing a victory rather than the clock. Into his eighth season on the international circuit, Cram had yet to claim Coe’s prized scalp at 1500m or the mile, having only got the better of him over 800m at Gateshead in 1983.

Coe had been out of sorts on that occasion, and was clearly not as his best in what proved to be Cram’s dream of a Dream Mile in Oslo.

Always assured and in control, Cram settled behind pacemakers James Mays and Mike Hillardt, while Coe took two laps to claw his way up into the slipstream of his compatriot.

Cram could easily have cut loose when the pace slowed from 56.1 and 57.8 to 59.3 on the third lap but kept checking over his shoulder for Coe, who had no response when Cram stretched clear down the back straight on the last lap.

Blasting round the final circuit in 53.0, Cram eased across the line in 3:46.32 – 1.01 inside the world record – with Gonzalez second in 3:47.79 and Coe third in 3:49.22.

“I honestly thought we were a little too slow to get the record,” Cram confessed. “I didn’t think I would run a 53 last lap. All I thought about was winning, not the world record.”

Asked by Jim Rosenthal of ITV how his record run in Oslo compared with that in Nice, Cram replied: “Having raced Said in the 1500m in Nice and Seb in this one and got world records in both is just beyond belief, really.

“But this one was just a little bit extra special because Seb’s always been up there for me. He’s always been something for me to aim for over all these years.”

There was to be another world record for the rampant Cram in Budapest eight days later: 4:51.39 over 2000m.

His mile in Oslo brought the tally of world records at Bislett to 45 – continuing a tradition stretching back to 1924.

Adriaan Paulen of the Netherlands, the future President of the IAAF (now World Athletics), set the first one that year, clocking 1:03.8 for 500m in an arena built principally as a speed skating arena.

The Norwegian capital was still known as Christiania at the time. It became Oslo in 1925.

Simon Turnbull for World Athletics Heritage

 

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Wisconsin Badgers volleyball transfer portal tracker 2025-26

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The University of Wisconsin volleyball program saw significant transfer portal action as soon as the Badgers’ season ended.

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Contact Jim Polzin at jpolzin@madison.com.



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Aggie volleyball adds a pair of Midwest transfers

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Just two days after winning a national championship, Jamie Morrison and Aggie volleyball announced the signing of two Division One transfers.

Texas A&M added graduate transfer and All-American Natalie Ring from Marquette and Ohio State’s Kaia Castle.

Volleyball is one of six revenue-sharing sports at Texas A&M, and following the national title match, Morrison acknowledged the university’s financial commitment to recruiting.

“Our administration’s really stepped up and said, hey, we really want you to be competitive on the national landscape. And I couldn’t be more grateful for that,” Morrison said.

Ring led the Golden Eagles to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and landed on the All-America third team. She was also named a unanimous All-Big East selection. She had a career-high 29 kills in a close loss to No. 2 Louisville in the NCAA Tournament.

The Madison, Wisconsin native ranked No. 16 in the nation with 4.60 kills per set.

“We are excited to add Natalie to our Aggie family here in Aggieland,” Morrison said. “She brings a wealth of experience as a well-rounded outside hitter and is a relentless competitor who consistently raised her level against the best competition. The 12th Man is going to love her fire, spirit and the way she plays the game.”

Castle is a redshirt sophomore and averaged 1.94 kills per set as a middle blocker.

“We value speed at the middle blocker position and it’s rare to see someone with Kaia’s length who can move the way she does,” Morrison said. “Beyond the physical tools, she is an incredible human. I truly enjoyed every part of the recruiting process with Kaia and can’t wait to have her here in Aggieland.”

Castle recorded 91 blocks this year for the Buckeyes and broke the program’s single-match block record with 15 against Troy.

The Aggies were quick to get to work on building for next season and remaining at the top of the college volleyball landscape.

“We’re going to sit down, and we’re going to enjoy this as much as we possibly can,” Morrison said. “And then we’re going to get to work and go do it again.”



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17 LOHS athletes sign letters of intent to play sports in college

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Seventeen Lake Orion High School student-athletes signed national letters of intent on Dec. 17 to their sports careers at the collegiate level. Photo by Joseph Goral

Seventeen Lake Orion High School student-athletes signed national letters of intent on Dec. 17 to their sports careers at the collegiate level. Photo by Joseph Goral

ORION TWP. — Seventeen senior athletes signed letters of intent at Lake Orion High School on Dec. 17 to play sports at the collegiate level.

The athletes represent eight sports – swimming, lacrosse, soccer, football, baseball, cross country, dance and track and field.

“Congratulations to all of you on joining a small group of high school athletes around the country that get the opportunity to pursue their athletic careers while pursuing their educa­tion,” LOHS Athletic Director Chris Bell said.

Several coaches joined Bell to in­troduce the athletes honored last week

Swimming

Briana Hernandez will swim for Wayne State University where she plans to study biochemistry or chemi­cal biology. Hernandez scored a team-leading 218 points this season, finished first 11 times, was a key member of LOHS’s state team, and is fourth all time in school history for the 50-meter freestyle event.

Samantha O’Kronley (left) and Leo Cassell sign letters of intent on Dec. 17 to play college sports. Photos by Joseph Goral

Samantha O’Kronley (left) and Leo Cassell sign letters of intent on Dec. 17 to play college sports. Photos by Joseph Goral

Maddox LaMothe will continue his swimming career at St. Olaf College in Minnesota and study music education. LaMoth will be a sprint freestyle and breast stroke specialist at St. Olaf Col­lege. He has scored 149 points, finished first 12 times and is a league champion in the 100-meter breast stroke event at LOHS.

Lacrosse

JC McClung will play lacrosse at Saginaw Valley State University. McClung has been a varsity starter at Lake Orion since her sophomore year, scored 27 points during her junior year, and will be a captain during her senior season.

Brielle Coventry will play la­crosse at Lewis University in Illinois where she will study aviation admin­istration. Coventry has also been a varsity player since her sophomore year, has scored 75 goals, and was named to the all-state third team in 2025 and to the all-OAA Red team.

Curtis Meech will continue his lacrosse career at Lake Erie College, and began playing lacrosse for Lake Orion Community schools 10 years ago. Head lacrosse coach Chris Wood said Meech is a vocal leader and a reliable, lead-by-example defender.

Maddox LaMothe (left) and Brooke Armstrong sign letters of intent to play college sports.

Maddox LaMothe (left) and Brooke Armstrong sign letters of intent to play college sports.

Quentin Rohlfing will play la­crosse for Kalamazoo College. In his three years playing LOHS lacrosse, Wood said Rohlfing es­tablished himself as a relentless competitor, a quick learner in the mid-field, and said Rohlfing is a hard-working individual.

Soccer

Brooke Armstrong will play soccer at Michigan Technological University where she will study biochemistry. Armstrong earned district and league honors during the spring and is a fierce competitor that LOHS is thankful to have on their team, head varsity coach Amanda Hutchinson said.

Lilly Brodoski will play soccer for Calvin University where she will study politics, philosophy and eco­nomics. She has been on LOHS’s soccer team since her freshman year, earned league honors her sopho­more and junior years, along with the OAA Sportsmanship Award, and is a versatile player who can contribute in many positions on the field, Hutchinson said.

Seniors JC McClung (left) and Brielle Coventry are introduced on Dec. 17.

Seniors JC McClung (left) and Brielle Coventry are introduced on Dec. 17.

Football

Leo Cassell will play football at Alma College and study biology. A defensive and offensive lineman, Bell called Cassell a smart player who knows the game, and said he works hard, is unselfish, and was willing to play what­ever role his team needed.

Brody Thompson will play football for Northwood University where he will pursue a business degree. Thompson predominantly played quarterback for the Dragons, is a threat running and throwing the football and won a leader­ship award last season, Bell said.

Alex Hensley will also play football at Northwood University. A starting in­side linebacker, Bell described Hensley as an old-fashioned, Orion-tough physi­cal football player. Hensley was also a captain last season, led the Dragons in tackles for the last two seasons and was selected to the all-league team and all-region first team this season.

Quentin Rohlfing (right) and Curtis Meech are introduced by boys varsity lacrosse head coach Chris Wood before a crowd at Lake Orion High School on Dec. 17.

Quentin Rohlfing (right) and Curtis Meech are introduced by boys varsity lacrosse head coach Chris Wood before a crowd at Lake Orion High School on Dec. 17.

Ryan Rocheleau will play football for Western Michigan University. Bell called Rocheleau the best tight end in Lake Orion History. Rocheleau caught 30 passes for more than 500 yards and five touchdowns, was selected to the all-league first team and all-region first team and was a team captain.

Baseball

Ozzie Schons will play baseball at Alpena Community College where he will study mathematics. Head varsity baseball coach Andy Schramek said Schons chose Alpena Community Col­lege for its culture.

Riley Bendle will play baseball at Kellogg Community College and pursue a career as a doctor. Schramek said Kellogg Community College will give Bendle the chance to develop as a player for two years before transferring to a university.

Dance

Samantha O’Kronley will dance at Alma College where she plans to study sports medicine. O’Kronley has been in Lake Orion’s dance program since seventh grade, and was described as always dependable and hardworking by a teammate.

Lilly Brodoski signs a letter of intent to play soccer for Calvin University.

Lilly Brodoski signs a letter of intent to play soccer for Calvin University.

Cross country and track and field

Max Houvener will be running cross country and competing in track and field at Oakland University. Hou­vener qualified for the state finals in the 3,200-meter relay his freshman year, and finished no lower than 10th in any race over the last two years, except for at the state finals, varsity coach Andrew McDonald said.

Mikaela Redman will be compet­ing in track and field at Northwood University. McDonald called Redman a very versatile athlete, and a leader in the school’s track-and-field program for the last four years.

Mikaela Redman signs a letter of intent on Dec. 17 to compete in track and field at Northwood University.

Mikaela Redman signs a letter of intent on Dec. 17 to compete in track and field at Northwood University.



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USU Volleyball head coach Rob Neilson hired by BYU | Sports

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Utah State women’s volleyball head coach Rob Neilson has been hired by BYU, ending his six-year tenure with the Aggies. BYU announced the hiring on social media Tuesday afternoon.

Neilson is an alum of BYU, having played for the Cougars’ men’s volleyball team from 2003-06 as a setter. He also spent 10 years as an assistant coach for the men’s team at BYU, even serving as its interim coach in 2011.

Utah State hired Neilson in 2020, following a 2019 season where the Aggies had gone a program-worst 2-28. USU went 5-10 in Neilson’s first season but then went on to win Mountain West titles in three straight seasons from 2021-24.

This season the Aggies not only won both the Mountain West regular season and conference tournament titles, they went undefeated in conference play and in the conference tournament, capping off what was ultimately a 22-game winning streak with a first-round upset victory in the NCAA Tournament against Tennessee.

Neilson ends his tenure at Utah State with an overall record of 112-59, winning three regular season Mountain West championships, two conference tournaments and winning MW Coach of the Year three times. He also took USU to four NCAA Tournaments with a record of 1-3 in those games.

In a statement, Utah State Director of Athletics Cam Walker expressed thanks to Neilson for his tenure.

“I am grateful for Rob’s leadership of our volleyball program, including multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances,” Walker said. “The profile of Utah State volleyball has been elevated and we expect that standard to continue under new leadership. We will be efficient and aggressive in our pursuit of the next leader of Utah State volleyball and will begin an immediate national search.”



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Florida Volleyball Signs Setter Bri Denney

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida volleyball announced the addition of setter Bri Denney to the Gators’ 2026 roster.

After earning her BBA in business management from Baylor, Denney will join the program as a graduate transfer in spring 2026 and pursue her master’s in business entrepreneurship.

“In our search for a setter, Bri jumped off the page as the perfect fit for us,” said Florida Head Coach Ryan Theis. “She is a great teammate, great student with starting and coming off the bench experience in high level power 4 volleyball.  We are excited to get her in the gym in January.”

“I chose the University of Florida because of the program’s history of national success, outstanding facilities and resources and the opportunity to compete in the SEC,” Denney said. “The coaching staff is exceptional and I’m excited to continue to grow as a student athlete and a person under their leadership. Campus is beautiful and I have the opportunity to be near my brother. It truly felt like the perfect fit. Grateful for this next chapter, go Gators!”

Denney is the fifth newcomer to join the Gators for the 2026 campaign. Florida previously signed incoming freshman opposite/outside hitter Nadi’ya Shelby and announced the addition of three transfers last week: outside hitter Kamryn “Kami” Chaney, middle blocker Brianna “Bri” Holladay and outside hitter Selena Leban.

 

Bri Denney

  • Position: Setter
  • Class: Graduate Student
  • Height: 6-0
  • Hometown: San Marcos, California
  • Previous Teams: Baylor
  • High School: Santa Fe Christian School

At Baylor
Honors:

  • 2023 Academic All-Big 12 First Team

2025 (Redshirt Junior): Played 50 sets across 15 matches with five starts … Opened the season with a career-high 31 assists in a 3-1 win over South Alabama (8/29) … Followed up with 29 assists in a 5-set win over No. 10 SMU (8/30) … Tallied 20 assists win a 3-1 road win at LSU (8/31) … Returned from injury to distribute 15 assists at No. 8 Arizona State (10/8) … Had 16 assists against No. 12 Purdue in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore): Traveled with the Bears and played in the Foreign Tour matches in Austria, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia in June 2024 … Came into the match against No. 22 TCU to set (10/6).
 
2023 (Sophomore): Saw action in three matches on the season … Played in two sets against No. 7 Minnesota in the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge … Played against No. 19 Ohio State … Saw action in one set against Stephen F. Austin … Did not see action for the rest of the season due to injury, redshirted.
 
2022 (Freshman): Her first season with the Bears … Dealt with injury for the first part of the season … Saw action in three sets across two matches.
 
High School: Bri grew up in San Diego, CA where she played volleyball since the age of 10 at Southern California’s top two clubs; Wave and Coast. She played on their 1s teams every year with the exception of 11s & 14s, when she played on the 2s. Her teams always played in the highest divisions at the USA National Championships, placing 1st in the National division on her 13-1s team and 5th in the Open division on her 15-1s team. Bri has been trained by top club coaches and was privileged to train closely in her high school years with Fiapo Guilherme Tenius, (7x Olympic medalist coach for Brazil, US & Canada). She graduated from Santa Fe Christian School in 2022. In high school, she was First Team All-League, won second place in Division I, named Varsity Invitational Classic All-Tournament Team, and was Team Captain… In 2019 she and her team finished third in the Coastal League and second in DI postseason;  in 2021, they finished second in the league and sixth in DI Postseason … Bri was named National Honors Society, Principal’s Honor Roll, California Scholarship Federation Gold Seal Bearer and an Academic Letterwinner. In addition, she was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes while dedicating a lot of her time to volunteering.
 
Personal: First name is Brianna but goes by “Bri” … Daughter of Monica and Robb Denney … Father, Robb, played rugby at the national level for the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) on their Super League Team. She has one older brother, Colin, who played baseball at Biola University his freshman year, as a catcher, then graduated from Liberty University after transferring and is now an Investment Advisor in Tampa, FL.
 
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910Preps Fayetteville’s high school volleyball all-stars 2025

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Dec. 23, 2025, 4:03 a.m. ET

Gray’s Creek’s Taylor Baggett’s senior season was one for the record books.

The Bears’ outside hitter and defensive specialist capped her high school career with a dominant final season that helped Gray’s Creek get to put together a ground-breaking year as the first high school volleyball team in school and county history to make it to an NCHSAA Final Four.



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