American-Record Holder Ajeé Wilson Returning to Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m during 113th NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory

Photo Credit: Ross Dehman

Defending champion and American record-holder Ajeé Wilson is set for another magical run in the Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m during the 113^th NYRR Millrose Games to take place February 8 at The Armory New Balance Track & Field Center. 

Wilson will be tested by an accomplished field that includes multiple European and Diamond League champion Laura Muir. 

“’The Armory track is one of my favorite places to compete,” Wilson said, “and I am really excited to be coming back to defend my Millrose Games title.” Wilson, a New Jersey native, is no stranger to the bright lights of the NYRR Millrose Games.Last year she set the American 800m indoor record of 1:58.60 on her way to a victory. In 2018 she anchored Team USA to the 4x800m world record at the Millrose Games. 

Wilson made her case as the top 800m runner in the world last season. She dominated the international circuit en route to her first Diamond League title, before earning a second World Athletics Championship medal – a bronze in Doha, Qatar.

 A nine-time U.S. champion and the American record holder indoors and outdoors, Wilson is clearly focused on Olympic gold in Tokyo. Millrose will be an important stop on that journey. Wilson will be up against arguably the strongest Millrose women’s 800m field, largely thanks to the presence of Muir.

While the Scottish athlete is best-known for her exploits over 1500m – the distance in which she claimed Diamond League titles in 2016 and 2018 – her range stretches from 800m all the way to 5,000m. Muir is consistently one of the world’s best indoor runners, winning double gold at the last two editions of the European Indoor Championships, while adding silver and bronze at the 2018 World Indoor Championships. 

Eyes will also be on Jamaican standout Natoya Goule, last year’s Millrose runner-up and the 2019 Pan-American Games champion. Goule’s outdoor personal best of 1:56.15 is second in the field behind only Wilson, and she finished sixth in the World Championship final this past October.

 Other athletes to watch in the Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m include Britain’s Shelayna Oskan-Clarke and American Ce′Aira Brown. Oskan-Clarke is coming off a successful 2019 season when she claimed victories at the European Indoor Championships and the British Championships outdoors.

 Brown battled injuries for much of last year after posting a breakout season in 2018, but persevered. She reached the World Championship final in Doha, where she placed eighth. Brown recorded a season’s best during last year’s NYRR Millrose Games, finishing third in 1:59.74. This marks the second consecutive year the Rudin Family has sponsored the women’s 800m at the NYRR Millrose Games. 

The Rudin family has a long and distinguished history supporting the sport of running and New York City. During the 111^th NYRR Millrose Games the Rudin family sponsored the women’s 4×800 relay which culminated in a world record.

“We are excited to be a part of the NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory again this year,” said Eric and Bill Rudin. “We loved seeing Ajeé Wilson set the record in last year’s Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m and we are excited to watch what promises to be one of the best races of the 113^th edition. Our fathers were extremely devoted to New York City and the sport of running and sponsoring this event in their names is a fitting tribute.”

The NYRR Millrose Games is the most storied event in indoor track and field. Stay tuned for more announcements, as the remaining athletes and fields for this year’s event will be unveiled in the coming weeks. 

Already announced is six-time Olympic gold medalist and 13-time world champion Allyson Felix competing in the women’s 60m and a thrilling shot-put duel between 2016 Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser and 2019 World Championships gold medalist Joe Kovacs, as well as: ● Olympian and 2018 champion Chris O’Hare of Great Britain, 2017 champion Eric Jenkins of the United States, four-time Olympian Nick Willis of New Zealand, and world championship medalist Filip Ingebrigtsen of Norway who all will headline a talented NYRR Wanamaker Mile men’s field;●

World champion and American record-holder Donavan Brazier and defending NYRR Millrose Games champion and NCAA record-holder Michael Saruni in the men’s 800m;● World record-holder Keni Harrison, who will open her season in the 60m hurdles;● Newly-crowned NCAA Cross Country champions Edwin Kurgat (Iowa State University), Weini Kelati (University of New Mexico) in the men’s and women’s 3,000m respectively, along with 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist Paul Tanui and women’s defending NYRR Millrose Games champion Alicia Monson (University of Wisconsin).

The Millrose Games moved to The Armory’s New Balance Track & Field Center in Washington Heights in 2012 after having called Madison Square Garden home from 1914 to 2011. The Games – established by employees of Wanamaker’s Department Store – features track and field’s most prolific male and female stars as well as collegiate, high school, club and youth competitors.More than 200 athletes share the distinction of being both Millrose and Olympic champions.

In November of 2013, the New York Road Runners became the title sponsor of the NYRR Millrose Games, which is owned by The Armory Foundation. The NYRR Millrose Games is a USATF television series event, and The Armory Foundation appreciates the support of USA Track & Field. 

The Armory Foundation is proud to host the dozens of Olympians and world champions who will test their talents once more at The Armory. With highest-level competition at the youth, high school, collegiate, club and professional levels, there is truly something for everyone at the NYRR Millrose Games

. Stay tuned throughout January to see which athletes will attempt to top last year’s feats, as fields for each event will be announced on a rolling schedule.Media can sign up for credentials by clicking on 2020 NYRR Millrose Games Press Credential Request Form.For more information on the upcoming NYRR Millrose Games or to purchase tickets please Visit www.nyrrmillrosegames.org or call 212-923-1803 x7200 to buy tickets.

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