Get Even More Visitors To Your Blog, Upgrade To A Business Listing >>
Idioma: En

U.S. Olympic Trials Preview: Track & Field

Tags: race trials field
JuVaughn Harrison will be a must-watch athlete at the trials. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

The 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials are going to be packed with the nation’s best athletes, and hopefully, there will be plenty of big marks and times. The potential members of Team USA come from wide swaths of America and feature sponsored and free-agent athletes looking to make the roster. In every event category, jumps, throws, multis, sprints, and distance there will be world-class athletes competing and vying for every spot. While it is 2021, the Trials are still the 2020 Trials like the Olympics will be the 2020 Toky Olympics. Let’s get started with the Olympic Trials preview.

Related Articles

Jumps & Multis

The jumps are for high-flyers and thrill-seekers, in my opinion. There is a certain swagger that jumpers and pole vaulters have. The pole vault at the elite level can be such an exhilarating event and the United States has some of the best marks in the world throughout all these events. Then we have the multis. The decathlon and heptathlon.

The multis are for the true freak athletes that are able to do it all and do it at a high level. The United States has a proud tradition of having strong athletes in these events. Watching a person go through so many events over such a short period of time is truly impressive. Let’s get into the favorites, some underdogs, and the faces to look for in the jumps and multis.

High Jump

The U.S. has a ton of great high jumpers that will be vying for spots on Team USA. The first name to watch for on the men’s side has to be JuVaughn Harrison. Harrison is a versatile jumper that has personal bests of 2.36m, set this season in College Station, TX, and a best of 8.44m in the long jump. We’ll talk more about that later. He should be a favorite to make the podium. He has four NCAA titles while competing with the LSU Tigers.

Behind Harrison is Darryl Sullivan, Shelby McEwen, and American high jump legend Erik Kynard of course. Both Sullivan and McEwen have season bests of 2.33m on the season. Kynard has jumped 2.30m on the season but is always a threat at big championship meets. The 2012 London Olympic gold medalist should always be respected. Hiawatha Culver III of adidas should be a threat to make the podium as well.

The women’s side features some great talented athletes as well in the high jump. It would be silly not to mention Vashti Cunningham first and foremost. Cunningham has the world lead this season with a mark of 2.02m, which is also a personal best. She is followed by Rachel McCoy and Jelena Rowe who have both jumped 1.96m this season. Between the rest of the field, there are a couple of college talents that will be looking to snag a spot on Team USA.

Anna Hall, the freshman out of Georgia, and Lily Lowe out of the University of Arizona will both be jumping at the trials. Hall has jumped 1.88m this outdoor season and jumped 1.89m indoors in 2021 as well. Lowe has a jump of 1.87m on the season from May 1st. This should be a solid competition with some very talented athletes.

Long Jump

The men’s long jump is going to be an intimate affair, there aren’t many athletes who have the qualifying mark for the trials. On the Status of Entry list, there is one big surprise, JuVaughn Harrison is not listed. He has the second-best jump in the world, best by an American, this season with an 8.44m mark. He leads the second-best American mark, Jeff Henderson who has an 8.39m mark this season. Behind them are Marquis Dendy and Corey Crawford who have marks of 8.29 each this season.

Dendy and Crawford have listed entries, and there is of course two time Olympian, three-time medalist Will Claye. He has a qualifying mark this season and will look to compete in the triple jump as well. More on that event below. Claye is always a danger, he has two indoor world titles and a number of outdoor world championships medals. He seems to have chosen to rest up after gaining the qualifying marks for his events.

The women’s competition features some of the world’s leading horizontal jumpers. Although not on the entry list, Tara Davis has jumped 7.14m this season for the second-best mark in the world. She also just won the NCAA Outdoor title. Kendall Williams has a leap of 7.00m and that is good for 5th outdoors this season. Next to Williams is Brittney Reese who has a listed mark of 7.00m coming into the trials.

Shakeela Saunders of adidas could make some noise and make the team as well. Once again there are a couple of collegiate athletes vying for spots. Jasmine Moore of Georgia and Jasmyn Steels of Northwestern State. They shouldn’t be counted out, the trials are the perfect place for big performances and nail-biting finishes.

Triple Jump

The men’s triple jump has a familiar name at the top of the list, and it isn’t even close. With a mark listed at 18.14m from the 2019 Jim Bush Southern California USATF Championships, Will Claye leads the American group of triple jumpers. He has a season-best of 17.15 in 2021. He’s the American GOAT in triple jumping.

Donald Scott and Chris Benard are vying for the next couple of spots as favorites. Scott has an entry mark of 17.43m while Benard sits at his season-best 17.15m. University of Houston standout, Chris Carter will be competing as well. His SB of 16.95m puts him in a great position to make Team USA if he can push it above the 17m mark. He isn’t the only collegiate vying for a spot either. Christopher Welch or Houston Baptist University and Jah-Jah Strange of Kansas State will be jumping as well.

The women’s triple jump is a Georgia affair. Of the accepted entries, three of the top five have some connection to the Peach State. Keturah Orji of the Atlanta Track Club leads the list of entries with a SB of 14.92m. Meanwhile, the University of Georiga yet again has a couple of athletes competing for spots. Jasmine Moore and Titiana Marsh will each try and make the Bulldogs proud. Moore has jumped 14.39m this season while Marsh has a mark of 13.63m.

This event is filled with NCAA talent. Imani Oliver of Princeton University, Leah Moran of Indiana University, Adja Sackor of Jacksonville University will all have a chance to make Team USA. Many of them will do so after competing recently in the NCAA Championships. It wouldn’t be a full recap without mentioning Lynnika Pitts, she is one of three women competing with a SB of 14.07m.

Pole Vault

The pole vault is one of the most exciting events to watch. It all just seems so dangerous, and it can be to a degree. There are those who believe that you need to be wired a certain way to compete in the event, and there have been some unusual personalities throughout the years. With Armand Duplantis of Sweden, a strong favorite to take gold in Tokyo, there are some that overlook the talented Americans. Christopher Nilsen is not far behind Duplantis’ 6.10m SB. He has a mark of 5.91m and behind him for No.3 in the world this season, Sam Kendricks has a vault of 5.86m. KC Lightfoot is strong as well in the event.

Lightfoot is tied for 5th in the world this season with a vault of 5.80m. However, there are a number of entries with marks above 8.60m. Six to be accurate. Those names include the above-mentioned as well as Audie Wyatt, Kyle Pater, Cole Walsh, and Matt Ludwig. This event is going to be great, with lots of fist pumps from 18+ feet in the air and lots of great vaulting.

The women’s side of things will feature the world leader this season, Katie Nageotte. She has cleared 4.93m this season while fellow American Sandi Morris sits at 3rd in the world this season with a 4.84m clearance. Nageotte and Morris should both be battling it out to take the title at the trials. Morris is the 2016 Rio silver medalist. Right there with them, is Jennifer Suhr of adidas, the 2012 London gold medalist is one of the greatest American vaulters and is THE greatest vaulter indoors. She has a world record of 5.03m indoors.

After that lead trio, there is a solid grouping that features many capable and talented athletes. Bridget Guy, Olivia Gruver, Emily Grove, and more. The main group of women seems to be sitting around the 4.70m marks. The Americans have the capability of picking up a couple of medals in this event in Tokyo. Hopefully, there will be lots of exciting performances. The pole vault is so exciting to watch, one of the best entertainment values in track and field.

Multis – Decathlon/Heptathlon

The only events that are as wild and entertaining as the pole vault have to be the multis. The decathlon is an event with lots of rich American history. Ashton Eaton, Trey Hardy, Caitlyn Jenner, and a whole lot more. This year, it looks like Garrett Scantling along with Harrison Williams should be the favorites. They have the best marks this season with over 8400 points each. Zachery Ziemek and Devon Williams hover around the 8300 mark.

Kyle Garland of the University of Georgia could be a surprise on the podium. There is Solomon Simmons of MultiStars Inc. who has a very real chance as well. In fact, all the men with Olympic Qualifying marks have a shot. This event is grueling, it lasts multiple days and there are so many ways to win and gain an advantage over your competition. This event won’t be over until they cross that 1500m finish line.

In the women’s heptathlon, there are two favorites above the rest of the field. Erica Bougard and Kendell Williams have both surpassed the 6600 mark this season. Bougard 6663 and Williams 6610, respectively. Watch for these two to really go neck and neck and put it all on the line for that gold medal and a spot on Team USA. Behind the two leaders, there is a strong group of women who should be vying for the coveted third-place spot.

Ashtin Mahler, Taliyah Brooks, and Chari Hawkins all have performances of 6200 or better. There is also a small group in the 6100 range that should be competitive. There is going to be fierce competition for that third-place spot and these women are going to put on a show. The seven events are going to all culminate in an 800m run that will show who has it in them to make it to the grueling end.

The jumps and multis are going to be exciting events. There is no reason not to keep up with these events throughout the trials. If you want to see the world’s best compete in high-stakes competition, then this is it. JuVaughn Harrison is set to shock the world yet again after winning the high/long jump double at NCAA Outdoor Championships…again. There are former Olympians wanting to show they still have it, and wide-eyed young folks who are looking to define their early careers.

Throws

Ryan Crouser is a favorite to go to Tokyo. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

Shot Put

The men’s shot put is highlighted by Ryan Crouser. Crouser has had a very successful season leading up to the Olympic Trials. At the USATF Throws Festival just a couple of weeks ago, he threw a world lead 23.01 meters. That’s almost 75.5 feet! It is also the third-best mark ever thrown outdoors regardless of nationality. Crouser isn’t alone atop the world lead this season. Fellow Americans Joe Kovacs and Darrell Hill. Crouser and Kovacs took gold and silver in Rio 2016. Hill is still looking for a podium place at a major world championship or Olympics.

While these three lead by farthest marks this season, a couple of younger throwers are looking to snatch a spot from the veterans. Josh Olayinka Awotunde, the 2018 NCAA silver medalist in the event, and Payton Otterdahl are more than capable of catching any of the favorites on a less than stellar day. Turner Washington of Arizona State University could sneak onto the podium, but would probably need to throw a lifetime best if he chooses to compete in shot. The pressure will be on all of these athletes when they step into that ring.

For the women, there are a bunch of athletes capable of making the team. If we go all the way back to the indoor season, Raven Saunders threw 19.57m, she currently has the best throw by an American in 2021 indoor or outdoor. Close behind are Jessica Ramsey and my personal favorite Felisha Johnson. Johnson has thrown 19.45m this season and is looking to make her second Olympic team. That throw set a personal best, her previous was 19.26m. Of course American Record holder and Olympic Gold Medalist, Michelle Carter will be a threat as always.

Maggie Ewen is a strong outside option. She has thrown 19.32m this season and could easily make the team this summer. After Ewen, the distance gets a bit wider with Adelaide Aquilla at a season-best of 19.12m. Chase Ealey has not had the best season this year, but she has a 19.68m lifetime best and on the right day could let out a monster toss. Shot put is such a fun event to watch, and the athletes are all impressive. This should be one of the more competitive events in Eugene this June.

Discus

Men’s discus currently isn’t as competitive internationally as shot put. However, there should be a good contest for first place at the US Trials. First off, the man expected to take gold in Eugene is Mason Finley. His 66.40m mark from earlier this season leads the Americans. Just behind him is Turner Washington. He threw 66.26m back in April while competing in Eugene, perhaps Washington is due for another PR when he goes back.

Brian Williams II and Kord Ferguson will be competing with Eric Kicinski for that third-place spot. This event is filled with young talent with the trio above all having graduated college within the last few years. This should be a solid event at the trials and I expect to see some personal bests.

The women’s side looks to be a bit deeper, but the favorite is clear. Valarie Allman is the American Record holder, her mark of 70.15m (230-2) set in 2020 made her the clear and away favorite for the US Trials. Behind Allman is a three-woman Race. Rachel Dincoff, Whitney Ashley, and Kelsey Card all have season bests within 1.08m of each other. Their season bests were all achieved at the USATF Throws Festival in Tuscon, AZ. That meet back on May 22 was a bit of a preview of what is to come in Eugene.

Javelin

The men’s javelin is fairly open for discussion between the top-3 men. The trio of Curtis Thompson, Michael Shuey, and Riley Dolezal top the list of entries as of now. Thompson leads the American field this season with a season’s best throw of 81.44m at that same throws meet in Tuscon mentioned above. Shuey gave his season-best toss on March 25th at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. He has thrown over 80m twice since then.  Dolezal has been relatively quiet since throwing an 80.62m toss in March, he has failed to clear the 80m mark again.

There are a number of college athletes who will be looking to steal an Olympic spot. Tzuriel Pedigo of LSU, Brett Thompson of Pittsburg State, and Benji Phillips of North Dakota State may have a huge throw in-store at the trials. There’s also Theodore Cook of the U.S. Military Academy who throws 75m+.

On the world stage, such as the Olympics, the U.S. women are stronger in the javelin than the men’s team. Especially Maggie Malone. Malone has thrown the third-best distance this season in the world and broke the American record with her 66.82m throw. Ariana Ince should be a podium favorite as well and there’s the former American record holder Kara Winger to look out for as well.

Winger has only thrown once this season. That was at the USATF Throws Festival, she placed 4th overall with a 60.97m throw. She threw over 64.4m in each season from 2017-2020. So, there is a lot of potential for another 63m+ toss from the experienced Winger. She just missed out on qualifying for the finals in Rio 2016, while Malone failed to throw better than 56.47m.

Hammer Throw

The men’s hammer throw is going to be a must-watch. The competition is big, strong, and looking for a chance to represent their country in Tokyo. Rudy Winkler, one of the best Americans to ever throw the hammer, leads the field with his 81.98m toss at the USATF Golden Games. That mark is good enough for second in the world this year. That throw is also a lifetime best for Winkler.

He will be followed by Sean Donnelly, Daniel Haugh, Alex Young, and Conor McCullough. These men are alL prepared for huge throws at the trials and it should be a nail-biter. Donnelly and Haugh have marks of 79.27m and 79.03m respectively at the Throws Festival. Young and McCullough threw their season bests of 78.30 and 78.14m in Chula Vista, CA in late May. This should be a strong group going into Tokyo regardless of the makeup.

Winkler and McCullough both failed to make the finals at the 2016 Olympics.

Now, let’s move on to arguably the United State’s strongest event group when compared to the rest of the world. The women’s hammer throw features the top-4 women in the world this season. Olympians DeAnna Price and Gwen Berry should be strong favorites to make the team again. Price has the world-leading throw of 78.60m followed closely by Brooke Andersen who has a season-best of 78.18m. Berry is third in the world this season with a toss of 76.79m while Janee’ Kassanavoid is sitting fourth this season with a mark of 75.50m.

Price is coming off the 2019 world championship she won, the first time any American had taken gold in the event. She should be a favorite to take the gold in Tokyo.

Sprints

(Photo by Daniel Cole / POOL / AFP)

The sprints are probably the favorite events for regular fans to watch. Of course with Usain Bolt’s absolute domination throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the 100m has gained a lot of interest. It is fast, powerful, exciting, and it looks extremely cool on television. However, for those who like a bit more finesse or a little more than the 100m offers, there are the 200m and 400m, not to mention the hurdle events. For the real speed with a side of endurance fans, there is of course the 800m. Truly a punishing race, the lactic acid builds in your legs just watching it.

100m

The men’s 100m is stacked with talent heading into the trials. There are 10 athletes with times under 10.00s. At the top of that list is Trayvon Bromell of New Balance. Bromell has been on a comeback tour that has put him at the top of the world this season. His 9.77 sprint carried Marvin Bracy through the line in 9.85, he is seeded second. Just behind them is Noah Lyles. Lyles is a favorite to possibly medal in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games. His time of 9.86s seeds him third.

Now, we get to Justin Gatlin. The veteran sprinter has a season-best of 9.89 which puts him right with Isiah Young who also has a SB of 9.89. Just behind them are some podium underdogs that may try to snatch a spot on Team USA from the three favorites. Fred Kerley Jr, Cravon Gillespie, and Ronnie Baker are three men that could easily make the team and take advantage of an off day. Honestly, any of them could run 9.93, which could earn a spot on the team. Then, there is the underdog Kenny Bednarek. Bednarek has been really strong in the 200m this season and we will discuss more of him later along with Lyles.

The women’s side of things is just as interesting. Superstar Sha’Carri Richardson leads the way with her 10.72 from back in April. She has had several impressive results even against headwinds. Richardson is a favorite to medal at the Olympic Games this summer. Twanisha Terry of USC ran a 10.89 this season for the Trojans. She is second on the entry list and the top-ranked collegiate. They will be followed by a super talented field of veterans and young rising stars.

Tianna Bartoletta is in the middle of a second group that also includes Aleia Hobbs, Cambrea Sturgis, and Javianne Oliver among others. Don’t be surprised when some names further down the heat sheet make some noise in the heats and possibly making it into the final. Jenna Prandini and Candace Hill are two names to look for as far as surprise favorites. With eight women coming into the meet with SB under 11.00s, it will be difficult for some of the lower-seeded runners to breakthrough, but the trials are where that sort of thing happens.

200m

There are very familiar names in the 200m from the 100m field. Noah Lyles tops the list with his season-best of 19.50. The former USC Trojan Michael Norman has an excellent time as well this season but is still a bit behind Lyles’ best. Norman has a time of 19.70 this season. Behind them is the top collegiate athlete in the race, Terrance Laird from LSU with a 19.81. My favorite in this race is Kenny Bednarek, he has a best time of 19.88 this season and has given Lyles a run for his money head to head.

This race also features Matthew Boling and Lance Lang, both SEC collegiates. Boling has been a sensation since his high school days and has continued his success at the University of Georgia. Lang has come on the scene this season especially and has ripped a 20.08, just .02 seconds behind Boling. Then there is the young, 17-year old professional, Erriyon Knighton of adidas. He has an amazing time of 20.11 this season and could find his way into the 200m final if he holds up through the qualifiers. There are so many great runners in this race like Cravon Gillespie who has a SB of 19.93, Fred Kerley is a strong runner, and Josephus Lyles may sneak into contention if the conditions are right.

Sha’Carri Richardson leads the women’s 200m as well, but not by much. Her time of 22.11 is followed by Cambrea Sturgis at 22.12 and Tamara Clark at 22.13. Clark of the University of Alabama is then followed by fellow NCAA athlete Anglerne Annelus of Southern California AT 22.16. There are just too many great sprinters in this one to pick a handful of favorites. There are a lot of different potential top-3 combinations that could occur. Gabby Thomas, Jenna Prandini, Dezerea Bryant, Allyson Felix, there are so many great names to choose from.

This is really a pick’em after Richardson, in m opinion. I think she is just such a strong runner and finisher in these races, I don’t see her being taken down. I have a feeling Thomas and Brittany Brown could shake some things up, and this should be one of the best races to watch through every heat and qualifying round.

400m

Yet again another familiar name. Michael Norman tops the list of quarter milers. His time of 43.45 tops the list of entries, that time is not from this season. Randolph Ross Jr of North Carolina A&T has a world leading time of 43.85 this season and will be a fun addition to the field. Kahmari Montgomery is a strong entry and has run 44.23 this season. Fellow NC A&T Aggie Trevor Stewart is listed fourth with a time of 44.25 and could make the team as well.

There are a 14 men with sub-45 second entries, six are NCAA athletes. I like Michael Cherry Jr of Nike and Vernon Norwood of New Balance. They have run 44.37 and 44.40 respectively. Bryce Deadmon of Texas A&M should be in the mix as well.

The women’s 400 should be a wonderful race to watch. Shamier Little and Quanera Hayes are two favorites to medal and join the team for Tokyo. Lynna Irby is a strong quarter miler that should be in the running heading into the final curve. Phyllis Francis II of Nike has the top seeded time of 49.61. Allyson Felix is in the field and her championship expertise should give her an advantage, knowing what it takes to make an Olympic team. Courtney Okolo, Jessica Beard, there are a lot of great names in this race.

Athing Mu of Texas A&M may compete in the 400m, she has the fourth best time in the world this season of 49.57. She will be a factor in the 800m as well, she is one of the best mid-distance runners in the world at just 19-years old.

800m

The men’s 800m will be a very competitive race for gold. Donavan Brazier is the favorite along with Bryce Hoppel. The experienced Clayton Murphy is the third runner with a time better than 1:44. A couple of NCAA runners make up the top-5 with sub-1:45 times. Isaiah Champion Jewett and Brandon Miller, Southern California and Texas A&M respectively, are going to give some of the older guys a good race. Erik Sowinski knows how to run a technical race and should not be counted out.

With a bunch of guys in that mid-1:45-:46 range, there are going to be some possibilities for some shakeups in this event. The pace isn’t exactly pedal to the medal the whole two laps, this will be one to watch, especially with all the talented NCAA runners in the event. Let’s hope that the event will live up to the expectations.

The other 800m is highlighted by Athing Mu, Raevyn Rogers, and Ajee Wilson. There are some great runners in the field that are all capable of putting down a sub-2:00 performance. Wilson and Mu have marks of sub-1:58, and there is a group of 12 other competitors with sub-2 performances. That is going to create an interesting race environment.

If this one gets technical there could be some great additions to Team USA. Brenda Martinez will be vying for a spot to Tokyo, there’s Kate Grace and Cory McGee along with Allie Wilson. These half milers are going to be ready to go when the gun goes off.

Hurdles

The United States is the pennacle of hurdles racing. The USA has always been strong in this event and that continues this year heading into the summer. In the men’s 110H, Grant Holloway of adidas has the second fastest time in the world this season of 13.07. The 23-year old leads the American field. He is followed by Aaron Mallett and Freddie Crittenden III. They have both gone sub-13.20. Former Oregon Duck two-sport star Devon Allen will be trying to make another Team USA.

Trey Cunningham is a name to watch for. He is part of a small group of NCAA athletes hovering around the mid 13.20s. I would wager that one of them makes the team to Tokyo, but it will be extremely difficult to breakthrough the top-3.

The women’s 100H features some of the biggest names in the sport. Kendra Harrison, the world record holder, will try to make the Olympic team that she missed out on in 2016. I like Christina Clemons of adidas, she has run 12.59 this season. Then there are the three collegiate athletes that have a strong opportunity to make the Olympic team. Tonea Marshall (LSU), Chanel Brissett (Texas) and Anna Cockrell (Southern California) all have times better than 12.54. Brissett is coached by Harrison’s college coach Edrick Floreal at Texas.

This event is full of personality and attitude. There are a lot of strong athletes in the race and it is one of the most satisfying to watch. Harrison is a special talent and the races should be watched just to see her clear the hurdles. The young talent in the field should make the race interesting and keep fans on the edge of their seat.

The men’s 400m hurdles will feature the GOAT Rai Benjamin. Benjamin has been on an absolute tear the last two years. His seed time of 46.98 is from 2019, but he leads the world this season with a 47.13. After Benjamin, Sean Burrell of LSU has a 47.85 seed time, that is strong against the rest of the field. Quincy Hall is a great pick to make the team as is Division II star Trevor Bassitt of Ashland University.

Bassitt is an interesting case, he rewrote the Division II record books and could very realistically make Team USA in this event. He will have to outrun a ton of great runners, including Isaiah Levingston of the University of Oklahoma and others.

The women’s race comes down between two competitors in my mind. Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad should be the favorites with Shamier Little possibly in there for the upset. McLaughlin is one of the most promising young runners in the world and she seems poised for a huge performance. She ran a handful of 100m hurdles races and some other tuneups, and it seems like she is ready to let it rup at the trials or in Tokyo. If she does decide to throw down the hammer, I don’t think anyone has hope of catching her, but the world record holder Muhammad.

There really could be a new world record set in this race. The interest is there, the talent is there and the track world has been waiting for this showdown for quite sometime. Little along with Ashley Spencer and a few others will fight for that bronze medal and the final spot to Tokyo.

Distance

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

The distance events are the ultimate test of speed, strength, and endurance. Depending on the race in question, a runner will have to use a combination of skill to come out on top. The favorite of these events is the mile or the 1500m. American track legends are born every day in this event, and it has for decades been a favorite going back to Jim Ryun. There’s a whole new batch of talented milers and other distance stars waiting to make some noise.

There are of course the 5000m and 10000m which are big tests of endurance. Each will be more strategic and less pace breaking than the sprints are traditionally. There is a bit of racing strategy that goes into each event, and the runners must respond to the changes in pace at the drop of a hat. Let’s get into these great events.

1500m

Matt Centrowitz has the fastest seed time in the field, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Centro, the defending Olympic Gold Medalist in this event has not been so stellar this season. His speed has not seemed to be up to par lately. Craig Engels is another great choice to lead this field, he has a seed time of 3:33.64 from this season. There are a couple other favorites of mine that should make some noise in the event.

Hobbs Kessler, the high school standout who has raced with the pros all year, has run under 3:35 this season. Yared Nuguse of Notre Dame may be able to kick his way to the podium at the trials as well. He was one of the most impressive athletes in the NCAA this season, along with rival from Oregon Cole Hocker. Hocker will be at home in Eugene and may find a little Hayward magic down the home stretch. There are some talented racers in this field. Benjamin Blankenship and Johnny Gregorek can race tactically and know what it is like in championship situations like this. I’ve got my eye on Eric Holt as well, sweetheart of the Trials of Miles x CITIUS MAG qualifier meets.

This event is a little marred by controversey. Shelby Houlihan, the American Record holder will not compete due to a recent doping ban she was hit with for four years. Now this event is headed by Elinor Purrier St. Pierre. Of course there is the veteran Jenny SImpson along with Nikki Hiltz. Hiltz has been tackling the middle distances all season and they should have a strong shot at making this team.

There are a lot of great names here on the entry list. Elise Cranny, Helen Schlachtenhaufen, Cory McGee, Alexa Efraimson, there’s too many to keep track of. There are also too many to choose just three. This will be an intense race that could have a lot of different outcomes. The US team should be strong in this event. Simpson may sneak in on a slow sit and kick type race.

5000m

In the 5000m, the American men will need to have some great performances in Tokyo to make the podium. However, there is some great talent in this field that should be on a great show at the trials. William Kincaid leads the field of times along Lopez Lomong for the only sub-13 efforts. Grant Fisher is the top American this outdoor season. Then there is Olympic medalist Paul Chelimo who is always a joy to watch race. He puts on some of the most exciting and artful races of anyone in the event.

How about these names for talent? Sean McGorty, Emmanuel Bor, Joe Klecker, Ben True, Eric Jenkins, Cooper Teare, Ryan Hill, it goes on and on. There are so many guys with killer finishing speed in this race that there is no telling what could happen in the last half mile. There are veterans and young runners in this event as well and should make for a solid event.

Karissa Schweizer is the top of the women’s field. She should be a tough one to beat in a fast race. In the 2021 outdoor season, Josette Norris has the best time of the year. She has run 14:51.42 for Reebok Boston Track Club. Elise Cranny and Vanessa Fraser could make the podium, there is not a lot of collegiate talent near the top of this entry list.

Jenny Simpson also has an entry in this event, and if she chooses to run in the 5000m I think she has a better chance than in the 1500m. At this point in her career, it may be time to move up in distance, but that is up to Simpson and her team. Gwen Jorgensen may be a threat to make the team, and there are so many others who may break out and make a name for themselves.

10,000m

The 10k is one of my favorite races. The long distance keeps things nice and honest, even in slower more strategic races. There are a lot of the same names here as in the 5000m. Kincade, Lomong, and Fisher are the top-3 while Ben True and Eric Jenkins finish out the top05. Then there is Bor, Kecker, and a host more talented long distance runners. Galen Rupp has been accepted with a 28:00.37. I like Jacob Thomson out of the underdogs and Martin Hehir who finished 7th in 2016. This will be a fun one for sure.

The women’s side of the race features a lot fo similar names as well. Cranny, Schweizer lead the top of the list. They have both run 30:47 on the season. Emily Sisson is a great 10k runner who can make a lot of noise in the race. Sara Hall has had quite the year and there are expereinced racers such as Emily Infeld, Stephanie Bruce, Kim Conley and more in the race. This is an event the Americans have had recent success internationally, but it is a tough event to break out in internationally.

The Olympic Trials are going to be a heated week of competition. The best athletes in the country are going to battle it out with each other for a spot at Olympic glory. Some may already have the tattoo appointment scheduled for their rings! It will be a great event as it almost always is, as the road to Tokyo continues on.

The post U.S. Olympic Trials Preview: Track & Field appeared first on Def Pen.



This post first appeared on Def Pen | Music, Sports, Fashion, Movies, & Art, please read the originial post: here

Share the post

U.S. Olympic Trials Preview: Track & Field

×

Subscribe to Def Pen | Music, Sports, Fashion, Movies, & Art

Get updates delivered right to your inbox!

Thank you for your subscription

×