In 2017, Christian Coleman delivered an electrifying performance that left a lasting impression on his then-coach, Emanuel Hudson. The display was so remarkable that it convinced the seasoned coach that Coleman had the potential to dominate both the 100m and 200m events. So dominant was Christian that he even said, “Christian Coleman has always considered himself a 100-200-meter athlete. Ideally, he is going to run both at the Olympic Games,” Hudson remarked. He went even further, predicting, “I think his [Coleman] 200m time is going to be something off the charts.” But what did Coleman do in 2017?
On May 27, 2017, Christian Coleman clocked a 19.85 (-0.5) in the 200m at the NCAA East Preliminary Round in Lexington, marking the fastest time of his collegiate career. That performance also secured him the seventh spot on the all-time NCAA men’s 200m list. However, a 21-year-old sprinter from the USC Trojans has matched Coleman’s time, sending another wave of excitement through the track and field world.
Nearly eight years after Christian Coleman’s record-setting run, Garrett Kaalund reignited the spotlight. At the NCAA West First Round, he blazed through the 200m in 19.85 seconds (+1.1 m/s), a time that now leads the NCAA rankings for the season. His performance also ranks second in USC Trojans’ program history and places him alongside Coleman at seventh on the NCAA all-time list.
Following the race, the USC Track & Field X account marked the moment with a playful post that read, “Garrett Kaalund is that dude.” Interestingly, back in March, Kaalund had already teased that something special was coming in his 200m, and he certainly delivered. On March 29, Garrett Kaalund sent a clear message to the track and field world with a blazing 20.05 (+1.4) performance at the Battle on the Bayou, held at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge.
Garrett Kaalund wind legal 19.85 200m
Tied with Christian Coleman for 7th fastest in collegiate history!
(: @USC_Track_Field) pic.twitter.com/IPg9sNWTSd
— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) May 31, 2025
Earlier that same month, he had already hinted at what was coming with a solid 20.54 at the NCAA Division I Championships. So, when the commentator hyped up Friday’s race with, “Now, very fast, middle lane 6, Garrett Kaalund of USC, personal best of 20.05 is coming with Jones, Jayden Jones with Justin Johnson, Kashie Crockett, Kashie Crockett of TCU, this one right here is all about Garrett Kaalund,” fans knew they were about to witness something special. And Kaalund didn’t disappoint.
The 21-year-old stormed across the finish line with a commanding lead, leaving runner-up De’montray Callis in his wake. It was a statement race domination from start to finish. But what makes Kaalund even more exciting is that his brilliance isn’t limited to just the 200m. He’s been turning heads across multiple events, proving he’s not just fast—he’s a force.
The track and field athlete with golden feet
Garrett Kaalund isn’t just having a breakout season—he’s rewriting the script. So it’s no surprise NCAA’s Stan Becton named him one of his Top 25 stars heading into the conference championships. “Kaalund can do it all,” Stan said, “running the No. 2 200 and 400 meters and the No. 4 100 meters — all while running a leg on the No. 2 4×100 meter relay.”
And Kaalund has backed up every word with pure performance. At the storied USC-UCLA Dual Meet, Kaalund dropped a jaw-dropping 44.73 in the 400m—only the second 400m race of his collegiate career. That time ranks No. 2 in the NCAA this season and ties him for 7th in USC history. Talk about making a statement. But the athlete didn’t stop there.
In April, at the 44 Farms Team Invitational at Texas A&M’s Cushing Stadium, Kaalund played a key role in keeping USC’s men’s 4x100m relay atop the NCAA leaderboard, helping the team clock a sizzling 38.41. And just for good measure, he tore up the track with a wind-aided 9.93 (+2.4) in the 100m at the same meet.
So, from 100 to 400 meters—and everywhere in between—Garrett Kaalund is proving he’s not just a sprinter. He’s a complete sprinting powerhouse.
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