“When everyone else was doubting me, I never doubted for one second my ability,” said English Gardner, who won the women’s 60 meters at a personal best 7.10 seconds. “I know I was made and built to run track and field, and I wasn’t going to stop until I came back.”

Gardner, who grew up in New Jersey and is once again training there, came into Millrose Games with minimal preparation at the 60-meter distance. “To see my natural abilities flourish like that, I’m super excited,” said Gardner, who is on the comeback from a torn ACL. “To see results like that when you’ve been putting in work, it kind of makes it all worth it.”

She added, “I love coming back home and running in the tristate area. It’s definitely been an amazing experience. Millrose definitely has my heart.”

Being coached by her father, Anthony Gardner, makes the win even more special. “We do it together. I have something a little bit more I’m running for. I’m not just running for myself, but I’m running to prove that he’s actually able to do this,” Gardner said.

It was an American record in the 800 meters for New Jersey native Ajeé Wilson, who won in 1:58.60. Wilson had previously established the American record at Millrose two years ago, but post-race tested positive for Zeranol, an anabolic agent. When she was able to prove the substance came from contaminated meat, she faced no sanction, but the record didn’t hold. So, winning at the Armory, a track where she dominates, was extra sweet.

“It’s super special to run here,” said Wilson. “You see people you’ve met over the years at this meet—fans, officials, coaches, athletes. It’s always a homecoming when I’m racing in the Armory. They make me feel so welcome.”

She continued, “The [track] surface is great. The way the track is built—all of the energy, all of the noise the fans are making—you feel it. It encourages you and makes you want to run harder.”

Although not from the New York/New Jersey area, 60-meter hurdles winner Sharika Nelvis felt at home at the Armory, having won a previous Millrose title. “It’s always satisfying,” said Nelvis. “I come here always looking to win. I like everything here—the crowd, the competition. New York is cold, but that’s okay.”