It’s finally happened. After what has seemed like an eternity, the US National Championships has finally been held, and the team for Tokyo has been chosen! The change in the World Championships to September caused Nationals to be moved as well. Now that it’s over, I think I’d rather see the meet remain in late June. Primarily because this year’s version was missing a lot of collegiate athletes who are getting ready to go back to school, diluting the talent pool and causing reductions in the number of rounds in several races. Making for a bit of an abbreviated meet in some respects. Still, the depth of talent available in this country is unmatched, so at the end of the day, another stellar team has been put together.
The top squad in my opinion begin with the men’s 800m, where former AR holder Donovan Brazier, current record holder Bryce Hoppel, and HS record setter Cooper Lutkenhaus bring stellar credentials to Tokyo. The kid doing the seemingly impossible as he finished fast in an incredible 1:42.27! All the could make the final at Worlds.
Lutkenhaus’ time was possibly the most stunning of the meet, but right along with it, was Melissa Jefferson Wooden’s 10.65 100m win! As dominant a performance as occurred in this meet. A world leading mark, that moves her to equal 5th all time, and sets up a rematch with Olympic champion Julien Alfred. A race that will be one of the most anticipated in Tokyo.
Speaking of highly anticipated races, the women’s 400m featured one Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, who chose this race over the hurdle event. She won here in 48.90 which sends her to Tokyo to face two former champions in Salwa Eid Naser and Marley Paulino, two of histories best ever in the event! This will be another marquee event in Tokyo. One that I’m sure the world will be awaiting the outcome of!
When we discuss histories best in various events, we have to look at the women’s 100H’s, as 11 of the top 15 women ever are currently active! Three of them, Masai Russell, Grace Stark, and Alaysha Johnson just made Team USA. Heading to Tokyo to go head to head against the WR holder and some other top 20 all time performers. This may be, the deepest of all the events in the sport.
Of course everything wasn’t rosey at Nationals. Such is the task of making the toughest team in the world. Look no further than the men’s 110H where Trey Cunningham had been dominating the event during the early season, but found himself in the dreaded fourth place position in Eugene!
Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, found herself waiting for the results of the photo, as three women ran the same time in third place here. Separated by mere Thousandths of a second. Then the unbelievable happened during the final two rounds of the men’s shot put, as many times global medalist, Joe Kovacs, went from leading the competition, to fourth place and off of the World team. Possibly the biggest upset of the entire meet.
Finally, there were the youth. Lutkenhaus was this year’s young stud, literally running a time that would have been the American record for the 800m two years ago. In the process becoming the youngest athlete ever to make the Worlds team. Maurice Gleaton was the high school star making this year’s men’s 100m final, where he tied the national record of 9.92. Meanwhile last year’s young star, Quincy Wilson, failed to make this year’s 400m final. Showing just how hard it is to maintain your position in this sport – especially in the US.
With that, there are four Diamond League meets on tap, a short break, then the World Championships. Given the individuals that just made the team, I’m going to say that a total medal haul of thirty or so is not out of the question. Time to try to figure out just how that’s going to play out.