Pictured Above: Owen Powell - Photo By Raymond Tran
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The Prefontaine Classic is the one of the top professional meets on the Wanda Diamond League circuit and in the United States each year. This year, the full event program features a number of high schoolers looking to mix it up with the world's best professionals.
So who is heading to Eugene -- and what could be on the table at Hayward Field this Saturday, July 5?
Related Link: Five Must Watch Events At The 2025 Pre Classic
Related Link: Pre Classic Entries And Schedule
Owen Powell - International Men's Mile
Owen Powell (Mercer Island) concluded the year as the sixth ranked boy in the COROS MS50 Rankings.
His record-setting year included wins on the biggest stages with the University of Washington commit running 1:46.63 over 800m and 3:36.49 over 1500m.
Powell will test his legs in a loaded field of men in the International Mile at 3:51 PM.
There is no shortage of talent in that field, with the likes of the NCAA Mile Record Holder, Ethan Strand (UNC - 3:48.32i), the NCAA #2 All-Time Miler, Gary Martin (UVA - 3:48.82i), and 2025 World Indoor 1500m Bronze Medalist Luke Houser in the fold.
The High School National Record of 3:53.43 set by Alan Webb in 2001 could be under threat. He ran that HS National Record at the 2001 Prefontaine Classic.
Sam Ruthe - International Men's Mile
Sam Ruthe (New Zealand) is a 16 year-old from New Zealand with a ton of talent.
He made a trip to the US earlier this year to compete at the Arcadia Invitational where he finished third behind Owen Powell and Josiah Tostenson. He ran 8:43.57 over 3200m.
Entering his 11th grade year, Ruthe has a decent amount of experience competing against professionals.
Ruthe was second at the New Zealand National Championships over 1500m in March. He also competed at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne. There, he took seventh over the 1500m race with his 3:40.12.
What Is The Wanda Diamond League?
The Diamond League is a high-octane, world-class professional track and field series, featuring the top track & field athletes in the world. Think of it as the NBA of track & field, but with fewer dunks and more world records. It started in 2010 and has grown to become one the most exciting and prestigious series in track & field.
The Diamond League features 15 meets with the world's best competing across the globe in places like China, Doha, London, Monaco, Paris, and Eugene, Oregon. It's high stakes, with the athletes chasing points that could give them a shot at the coveted Diamond Trophy at the end of the season.
You can learn more about the Wanda Diamond League HERE.