FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Samuel Vessat wrapped up Purdue Track & Field’s 2026 indoor season by breaking his own French short track and Purdue 400m records on his way to earning First Team All-American.
Vessat Notes
• Vessat ran 45.30 to break his own French short track and school records in the 400m. He set the previous record of 45.38 in the Big Ten Indoor Championships prelims.
• With his performance, Vessat moved up to top 15 in the world in 2026.
• The Paris, France native became the first Boilermaker men’s athlete to run in the NCAA Indoor Championships final in the 400m. He joined Brian Faust (2020-21) as the only indoor All-Americans in the event.
• Vessat now owns the top four 400m times in Purdue history, indoors or outdoors, running 45.30, 45.38, 45.59 and 45.68 this season.
• Competing as a redshirt sophomore, Vessat completed his first collegiate indoor season after playing Division II basketball at Edward Waters for two seasons.
Next Up
Purdue begins the outdoor campaign at the USF Alumni Invitational (March 20-21) in Tampa, Florida.
