Kaalund Breaks 200m School Record on Day One of New Mexico Collegiate Classic

Friday, February 6

Albuquerque, NM

USC

New Mexico Collegiate Classic (Day 1)

Garrett Kaalund breaks 200m school record

Kaalund Breaks 200m School Record on Day One of New Mexico Collegiate Classic

February 06, 2026 | Track & Field

The Trojans recorded five event wins on Friday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The USC track and field team dominated across the board on the first day of the New Mexico Collegiate classic, recording five event wins and a new school record in the 200m.

Garrett Kaalund added his name to another NCAA all-time top-10 list with a historic performance in the 200m. A quick start right out of the blocks secured him a time of 20.12, breaking the school record (20.26) set by Olympic champion Andre De Grasse in 2015. Kaalund took the top spot in the NCAA for the season and sixth for all-time. He is now the world leader for 2026 in the indoor 200m.

"Garrett was one of the special races we were excited to see because it was his season opener," said Head Coach Quincy Watts. "He did not disappoint. Just a fantastic run and I'm very happy for him."

Dajaz DeFrand and Mia Brahe-Pedersen took the top two spots in the women's 200m with Brahe-Pedersen achieving a new personal record of 22.85 in a breakout race.

"I'm so excited for Mia. Her freshman year was not the typical year that she wanted. It is great to see her recovering from her injuries and in her sophomore year having great success. Success comes from confidence and it's just great to see her have her confidence and see a smile on her face," said Watts.

The unseeded 200m opened the day with a new personal record for Nickolas Miller at 21.12.
The men dominated the 600m with Yougendy Mauricette making his season debut at 1:17.81 to take first place and Chase McCallum following in second in 1:18.91.
Oluwatosin Awoleye took gold in the women's 600m with a debut time of 1:30.17.
JC Stevenson returned to long jump for the first time this season with a mark of 7.77m to win the event. Jackson Norris came in fifth place with a new personal best of 7.47m.
Elias Gerald took second place in the men's high jump at a height of 2.16m.
Christine Mallard followed DeFrand and Brahe-Pedersen to take fifth place in the women's 200m. Rachael Uvieghara also put a new 200m best on the board in 23.37, placing eighth.

The action continues tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The event will be streamed live on FloTrack with live stats and updates available at usctrojans.com or on Instagram and X @usc_track_field.