One of my favorite early season relay meets every year is the Tom Jones Invitational at the University of.Florida. That’s because the week of the Texas and Florida Relays end up having a good dozen of so very good meets. Which means that the talent ends up at several different locations. Not a bad thing mind you, because that means lots of athletes getting the opportunity to compete! However it’s nice that after they all get the chance to get started, they get to come back shortly after and really

So, while the Florida Relays is the older meet, Tom Jones has grown in stature to become a meet that produces outstanding results. It’s a combination of deep talent; a fast surface; and the ability to run races in either direction. Giving them the ability to take advantage of the direction of the wind. Instead of being negatively affected by it!

I got a chance to look at the entry list, and I must say that this year’s iteration of the meet will live up to expectations. Here are a few races I’m looking forward to.

Men’s 100m – Among those listed to compete are Ronnie Baker, Kenny Bednarek, and Noah Lyles. I expect to see all three in Eugene at the Trials in a couple of months – it’s getting close. These three could be finalists and in contention for Paris. Kenny is better over 200m, but has run 9.89 here. Baker made the Tokyo team and ran 9.83. And of course Noah won in Budapest and has improved his 60m this winter. All will be looking to make a statement, which means we could see something fairly fast.

Women’s 100m – I want to see how Abby Steiner looks this weekend. Coming back from off season surgery, she ran 51.58 last week. Showing good early fitness. She’ll get to test her foot speed against Melissa Jefferson and Tamari Davis. Two women that are capable of making the Paris team.

Women’s 400m – This event has been an interesting one here in the US in recent years, as we’ve used hurdlers to strengthen our 4×4 because they have been better here than our open sprinters. So, it’s no surprise to see Britton Wilson and Shamier Little here. As both could choose to run this event at the Trials. Both ran this event very well in 2023!

Men’s 400m – The men, on the other hand, have had more top level quartermilers than we can take to Paris, or anywhere else. So this event will be strong as always. Featuring sub-44 sprinter Champion Allison, former World 400H champion Alison dos Santos and ’23 World finalist Bryce Deadmon. There is a surprise here with Erriyon Knighton being entered in this event. After watching Noah Lyles on a 4×4, and Letsile Tebogo run 44.28 (the current world lead) I’m dying to see what Erriyon throws down. This will be fun!

Men’s 110H – Grant Holloway. That’s the athlete. After another indoor WR, it will be interesting to see how fast he opens up outdoors. He looked very confident indoors. Resulting in several very fast races. Given his consistency at 13.0x last year, I won’t be shocked to see a 12.9x opener.

These individual events aside, I’m looking forward to the relays the most. There are always great relays. Especially the 4×4’s which typically produce sub 3 minutes clockings. Should be two great days of track and field. And it’s going to be televised on ESPN. We’re about two months out from the Olympic Trials and meets like this will begin to preview potential team members. As everyone begins to prepare for late June and Eugene Oregon. This one should be a lot of fun.