US-based Harrier Oliver James enjoyed an early birthday present by smashing through the 3:50 barrier for 1500m for the first time at the Victor Lopez Classic in Houston, Texas last weekend.

The day before turning 22, the McNeese State University student placed third in his season opener, clocking a fast 3:49.47 to shave nearly three seconds off his previous best, set last April in California.

The increased strength work Oliver has put in over the winter is paying off now the track action has moved outdoors and he will approach this weekend’s Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainesville with confidence, hoping to go faster still in a loaded collegiate field at this fabled meet.