We’re days from the selection of the US team for the World Championships in Tokyo. It’s been a very long lead up to this point given we’re near the end of July, but that’s the end result of moving the World Championships to the end of the season. We’ll see how that’s worked out given that athletes have been on different and varying times lines during the course of the season. Regardless of the approach taken, American athletes must note be ready for the ultimate battle, the US Trials! July 31 thru August 3. Entries are now closed, and here are my general thoughts as we head to Eugene.
In the men’s sprints Noah Lyles is the defending double world champion with a bye in both events. He’s entered in both and recently said he’s contesting the 20om. Either way we’re selecting the individuals to join him in each in Tokyo. All the usual suspects are entered and I’m not seeing any clear cut favorites in two wide open sprints. My gut says Fred Kerley, and Trayvon Bromell in the 100m with a fight for third. Kenny Bednarek and Erriyon Knighton and one other in the 200m.
The women’s sprints are a bit easier for me even though both are loaded. Sha’Carri has the bye in the 100m and she’ll need it as her season has been slow to unfold. Look for Melissa Jefferson Wooden to qualify in both events. Jacious Sears to qualify in the 100m and Gabby Thomas and McKenzie Long in the 200m. Solid squads all around, but plenty of competition, so that outside of Melissa I’m not as sure that anyone is safe.
The 400’s have gotten very interesting lately. No Quincy Hall in the men’s event, and Sydney McLaughlin Levrone is only running the open event. Both races seem to offer easy selections for me. For the men it’s Kaleb McRae, Jacory Patterson, and Chris Bailey. For the women, my choices are Sydney, Bella Whittaker, and Aaliyah Butler. Simple, easy. Yes, I know people are excited about Quincy Wilson and 44.10. I want to see him navigate rounds, and there are several men fast enough to contend.
The middle distance look to be very exciting this time around. The men’s 800m features the return to form of Donovan Brazier as he competes against Josh Hoey, Bryce Hoppel, and Jonah Koech. The women are a bit more complicated. Starting with the entrance of Athing Mu, who has not been relative for a while, and enters at 2:00. It will probably take 1:57 to win, 1:58 to make the team. Not sure Athing can get there in time. This in a wide open event. Similarly, I expect a tough fight for both 1500m squads as we’re as deep as we’ve ever been in milers. Though I think I’m safe saying that Yared Nuguse and Cold Hocker are strong favorites to make the team on the men’s side, although I expect a strong challenge from several others, led by Hobbs Kessler. Nikki Hiltz and Sinclair Johnson lead the women on the clock, but I’m looking forward to seeing how high school phenom Jane Hedegren handles being on this stage. I will not be shocked if she grabs a ticket to Tokyo.
Let’s take a look at the barrier races as depth also describes all four hurdle events – men and women’s 100H/110H and 400H races. Two favorites come to mind. Trey Cunningham in the men’s high hurdles, and Rai Benjamin in the men’s intermediate hurdles. Literally everyone else entered is fighting for the other two spots in each event. With Sydney McLaughlin only running the open 400m, every spot in both women’s events are up for grabs. With Delilah Muhammad being a huge sentimental favorite in the intermediate even after some excellent early season races. In the 100H, literally any one of the sixteen entrants is capable of winning or making the team on any given day!
The competition on the track is clearly going to be fierce, and so will the competition in the field. Many fans complain that the field events are not exciting, but I disagree. For example, the men’s shot put has been on fire this year, even without WR holder Ryan Crouser competing yet. Look for a very deep competition led by Joe Kovacs. The men’s high jump also should be competitive with several athletes entering with seasons bests within a couple of centimeters of each other. My favorite being JuVaughn Harrison. And if you’re looking for excitement, look no further than the women’s long jump, potentially the most exciting event in the field, headlined by world leader Tara Davis Woodhall, indoor champion Claire Bryant, and former college champion, Jasmine Moore. My favorites to make the team. As I discuss the field, I must mention hepathlete Anna Hall, who became the equal second best ever earlier in the season. Coming off injury last year, she is clearly better than ever and looking to make the team in pursuit of her first world title.
Once again the US Nationals will be the best meet on the planet outside of the World Championships. In some events, like the sprints and hurdles, the competition will be deeper than the World Championships. Meaning that it will be harder to get to Worlds in some events, than it will be to medal in those same events in Tokyo. Such is the depth of the sport in the United States. This is why I believe it’s time for a true World Championships, as well as for the US to step up with respect to a greater selection of meets here in America. More on both in future posts. For now, it’s time to find out who makes the strongest track and field team on the planet.