Hugh Kent Ready to Take on the World in the 1500m
Guam’s Hugh Kent, already a national record holder in the 5000m and 1500m short track, will proudly represent Guam when he lines up in the 1500m at the World Athletics Championships.
Kent is no stranger to success. A Pacific Games Champion in the 10,000m and 1500m, and a record-breaking 2025 from 1500m short track to the 10,000m.
A sibling rivalry is what kicked off his athletics journey. “I started running so that I could eventually be faster than my older brother,” he recalled. “Eventually, I no longer had anything more to catch up to, but I kept going.”
When asked what representing Guam means to him “Every person I had met back home on the island believed that I am capable of doing better. By running more races and becoming faster, I am able to make their beliefs come true and prove them right.”
Currently training under coach Rob Conner at the University of Portland, Kent has been sharpening his speed to adapt from his comfort zone of longer distances to the tactical demands of the 1500m.
“The past few weeks I’ve been following a personalized training plan. I’m usually more comfortable with the longer races, but I’m slowly getting more accustomed to the speed of the 1500m,” Kent explained.
Balancing academics has been its own challenge. “As I’m still a student, being away from classes for 3 weeks is tough. Honestly, I can’t believe I’m going to the World Championships and my biggest concern is homework.”
After what he described as a disappointing performance at the Indoor World Championships, Kent is determined to set things right.
“My goal is to run a personal best by going under 4 minutes. If I were to be greedy, I’d love to go for the Guam record of 3:52, but realistically, I wouldn’t expect to get that when I’ve never gone sub-4 before.”
Kent is also eager to connect with fellow athletes on the global stage. “My teammates told me that a University of Portland graduate from Ireland, Cathal Doyle, will also be at the Championships. I’m excited to meet him, as well as students from Fukuoka University.”
You can catch the 1500m
9:35 1500m Heats – 14 September
21:30 1500m Semi-Finals – 15 September*
22:20 1500m Finals – 17th September*
*Pending Progressions
More information about the World Athletics Championships –ENDS–