After running the second-fastest 800 meters in prep history last weekend at New York's Icahn Stadium, Cade Flatt has a better idea what it will take to break the national high school record.

 

Flatt, a senior at Marshall County High in Kentucky, ran 1:46.51 at the Trials of Miles NYC, racing under the lights in a field of post-collegians. The goal was, and remains, Michael Granville's 1996 record 1:46.45.

 

"It's definitely super bittersweet," Flatt said. "I can't be mad and I can't be overjoyous about it. There were so many instances where I could have gotten under it, from getting cut off in the first 200 to swinging too wide on the final turn. Little things."

 

Flatt is targeting New Balance Nationals Outdoor at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, June 16-19, as his next best chance to make history.

 

On Tuesday, Flatt qualified for the Kentucky state meet in four events, the 400 meters, 800 and two relays, and he'll do all he can for his team on June 4.

 

At NBNO, Flatt will try to win his second national title of the year in the 800 meters. He enjoyed a breakout moment at New Balance National Indoor in March, running 1:48.86 for No. 2 all-time on the indoor list at The Armory in New York.

 

"I'm excited for it," Flatt said. "New Balance Nationals is where people met Cade Flatt."

 

His time last weekend elevated him to the ninth-fastest American this year and gives him additional options at the end of June, to compete at the USATF Outdoor Championships as a senior athlete or in the Under-20 national team qualifier.

 

The Ole Miss commit believes he is on a trajectory to surpass Granville in June as long as he stays healthy. He ran 1:47.04 in his first race against college athletes in April. Less than six weeks later, in New York, he was half a second faster.

 

At this point, Flatt believes he can go after the record time without an elite field around him.

 

"For sure, I think I can," he said. "I can push hard when I'm by myself. Just get me through one lap and I'll take it home."

 

New Balance National Outdoor takes place at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA Thursday through Sunday, June 16-19. Get full meet information at nbnationals.com.