It’s the toughest team in the world to make. That’s the general consensus when it comes to the US track and field team. Of course, if anyone has doubt, go and watch reruns of this year’s contest. Starting with the second half of the meet. Then try to pick your favorite event. Let’s see, you could select the men’s 110H. That has Grant Holloway running sub 13, three times. Two of them sub 12.90. Including 12.86, the #4 time in history (he also owns #2). Behind him were 12.93 (Freddie Crittenden) and 12.96 (Daniel Robert’s). Making this the first race in history with three men under 13.00! Times of 13.03 and 13.09 did not make the team.

If you’re into fast hurdle races, maybe you preferred the women’s version, the 100H. A Trials record 12.25 by Masai Russell. With Alaysha Johnson and Grace Stark both running 12.31! Not making the team were 12.37 (Nia Ali), 12.38 (Tonea Marshall), and 12.39 (Keni Harrison). Anywhere else in the world, they punch a ticket to Paris.

Perhaps you prefer your speed without barriers. The 100m & -400m were run in the first few days of the Trials, but in the second half the 200m is still left. You can choose from the women. Where following a blistering turn, a very hectic stretch run saw the strength of Gabby Thomas prevail as she crossed the line in 21.81, after running a world leading 21.78 in her semi. She’s leading a team of 21.90 Brittnay Brown and 21.91 McKenzie Long. Times that would have won any other country’s title.

If you decided on the men’s race, you would get one of the best showdowns of the meet – Kenny Bednarek v Noah Lyles. They had already gone 1-2 in the 100m. More importantly Bednarek entered the meet leading the world on the clock in Noah’s favorite event – with Noah stating earlier that he wanted it back. A vicious turn found Kenny leading coming into the straight. But Noah’s strength is his strength. Which took him by Kenny with 50m to go. The result 19.53 (Noah), 19.59 (Kenny). A Trials record for Noah. A PB for Kenny making him #10 in history. With Erriyon Knighton rounding out the team in 19.77.

Maybe you like longer distances. The women’s 1500m had eight women under 4:00.00!! With the three women headed to Paris under 3:56 – Nikki Hiltz (3:55.33), Emily Mackay (3:55.90), and Elle St Pierre (3:55.99). This race featured a final lap with video game like lead changes. Only the AR of 3:54.99 is faster than what these women just ran. Of course, this is the best squad we’ve ever sent to a global contest. I failed to mention that eight women finished under 4:00.00! And 3:55.33 would have been good enough to medal in Tokyo. This was elite 1500m racing.

Though I must say, you could be looking at another hurdle race, because the second half of this meet seemed to be dominated by the hurdles. There was the men’s 400H. Where Rai Benjamin ran a world leading 46.46; a Trials record; and the fifth fastest time ever. But the way, he has three of the top five times in history. He was followed by CJ Allen (47.82) and Trevor Bassitt (47.82). Strongest squad headed to Paris.

Then there’s the most talked about race of the meet, the women’s 400H. Most talked about because Sydney McLaughlin Levrone set another WR of 50.65. Talked about because of the record and because of how easy she made it look.. Also however, because the other two team members ran 52.64 (Anna Cockrell) and 52.77 (Jasmine Jones). Personal bests for both women. Faster than anyone else globally except the Netherlands’ Femke Bol. In yet another event, we’re sending the strongest squad on the planet to Paris.

So pick your event. Because no matter your choice you’re absolutely right! Your event of choice could easily be defended as being both outstanding and highly difficult to get into the top three. That magic number needed to get onto the Olympic team. Yes, there may be comparable individual events here and there at other nations’ trials. For example that men’s 100m at the Jamaican meet was tough. The men’s 800m in Kenya is always brutal. But from top to bottom, men and women, no other country has as tough a road to the Olympic Games as we have here in the US! Which is why more and more, if athletes can find an association with another country. Like dual citizenship because of parenting, etc. They use it. And I can’t blame them, because as demonstrated, the US Trials are deadly. In some events, the Olympics themselves may not be as deep.

So, congratulations to all of the athletes that left Eugene with a ticket to Paris. You have proven yourself to truly be among the worlds elite. And to those that missed, you are no less elite or worthy. To simply be in the mix at the US Trials means that you are among the world’s best. You just happen to be an American. Vying to get on the toughest team in the world to make. Please don’t let this meet deter your progress, or convince you that you are less elite. There are many athletes on this team that missed previous squads. Sometimes it’s a process. Iron sharpens iron. There’s a lot of sharpening going on in the US.

Tags: Bednarek, Benjamin, Knighton, Long, Lyles, Richardson, St Pierre, Thomas