Kiwi runner Maia Ramsden has defended her 1500m title at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
The 22-year-old representing Harvard University blitzed the field to win in 4:06:62.
It was a day to remember for New Zealand Athletics, with fellow Kiwi Kimberley May second.
Ramsden sat in the front group for the majority of the race and executed her trademark kick with 700 metres to go, seeing her pull away from the rest of the field.
With 100 metres to go, May of Providence University pushed forward to take second place.
Despite dominating, Ramsden described the race as her worst nightmare: "I like it when it's a quick race and you can just hold on and kick hard, those quick gear changes are more difficult. I was like, 'Okay, it's plan b'."
She said trusting herself was key to running a successful race.
"I didn't do as good of a job as I would have hoped, but not worrying about too much of what's going on behind me and putting one foot in front of the other once I took the lead."
Ramsden is the first person to go back to back in the women's 1500m at the division one championships since 2003.
She also won the NCAA indoor 1500m title in Boston in March.
While Olympic selection is something Ramsden is striving for, today's race didn't help her case due to a slow opening two laps.
The World Athletics Paris Games entry standard is 4:02:50 – but there is still time to reach the qualifying standard.
"I really want to run another fast 1500m," Ramsden said.
"The Olympic qualifying window ends June 30th so just kind of taking it week by week."
Ramsden continues to light up US college track scene
Wed, Mar 13
2:02
The NCAA Track and Field Championships is understood to be Ramsden's last time representing Harvard – and she admitted she has decided on her future in professional running.
"It will all become clear very soon."
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