Another Championships is in the book. The American team has been selected, for this year’s World Championships and it looks to be pretty strong. Our depth across the board is pretty amazing. As we have world leading athletes in most disciplines, both men and women. In many events we will be leaving athletes at home that are capable of standing on the podium in Budapest. Making me wish for A Worlds that was not so restrictive in representation. Another conversation entirely. For now, we have what we have. In that regard, we’ll be a string as ever. Here are a few of my favorite highlights from this year’s Championships.
Men’s 100 – Always a highly anticipated event, this year’s final lived up to expectations. The first round saw Marvin Bracy, Michael Norman, and Ronnie Baker fail to advance. The semis see top collegians Courtney Lindsey, PJ Austin, and Micah Williams eliminated. Leaving a final with Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, Trayvon Bromell, and up and coming Cravont Charleston. Coleman and Bromell out fast with Lyles out slowly and rapidly closing a usual. Charleston however, was steady throughout and his solid race took the win in 9.95. Coleman (9.99) held off everyone else, and Lyles (10.00) got the third spot. Joining with defending champ Fred Kerley, they’ll form a very solid crew in Hungary.
Women’s 100 – This was all about Sha’Carri Richardson, as her victory was never in doubt. She ran early rounds of 10.71 and 10.76, with ease. Her start failed her in the final however, and she had to hustle her way to a 10.82 win. She’s going to need better round management in Budapest, but is clearly one of the favorites. In what should be an epic battle with Shericka Jackson and Marie Josee TaLou. Who have shown to be the best of the rest of the planet.
Women’s 100H – There are no easy teams to make in the US. That said however, the women’s short hurdles is one of the tougher teams to make! This final was as deep as the final will be in Budapest. In the end, only .13 separated first thru fifth place! Though winner Nia Ali ran thru the finish standing up in 12.37 over AR holder Keni Harrison’s 12.42. In third Masai Russell made the team over Alaysha Johnson with both clocking 12.46. Russell getting the nod by a mere .002 sec! Tia Jones was a hair behind in 12.50. It’s races like this one that make me want to see a championship with more of the best athletes competing. As opposed to, everyone getting representatives!
Women’s 400 – This was the real debut of Sydney McLaughlin in the open 400m having a couple of races under belt before Nationals. She did not disappoint. Her methodical approach to the hurdle event has translated well here. As each round saw an almost identical race pattern, with improving results. She was never behind at any time, including the final, which saw her run 48.74 – just missing the AR of 48.70. Behind her, Britton Wilson (49.79) and Talitha Diggs (49.93) gave us a very solid group heading to Worlds.
Women’s 200 – The excitement in the first round was Sha’Carri Richardson showing up for the event. Then blitzing a slightly windy 21.61! However, 2021 winter Gabby Thomas showed her fitness in the semis with a legal 21.87. While last year’s champion, Abby Steiner, looked to be a bit under raced to me, as she was not quite as “zippy” as last year. This trio lined up in the middle of the track in the final with Sha’Carri blazing the turn. But Gabby showed her strength, running clear of the field in 21.60 – a world leader. Sha’Carri finished in 21.94. While Abby got edged out by Kayla White, 22.01 to 22.07! After watching Sha’Carri over this meet, she’s going to have to work on her rounds management if she wants to win either sprint in Budapest. That said, Gabby Thomas is a problem this year for Shericka Jackson. This event, and a Thomas, Jackson, Richardson showdown, could be one of the highlights at Worlds.
Men’s 110H – Everyone has been waiting to see Division II hurdler Cordell Tinch on a bigger stage. Mr Tinch lived up to expectations, as he finally got to be on stage with double World Champion, Grant Holloway. Both men won their opening round and semifinal races. The first round with identical times of 13.10. Grant pulled out of the final however, as he has the bye to Worlds. Leaving Tinch to face a deep field that included former champion Daniel Roberts. While Roberts prevailed in 13.05 over Tinch in 13.08, Tinch proved that he belongs in the conversation. Tinch and Roberts paired with Holloway gives us a very strong group that will face the Jamaican hurdlers in just over a month.
This meet was as exciting as ever. As much as I’ve highlighted the speed events – especially on the women’s side – the other events more than held their own. In the field, Valarie Allman continues to dominate the discus. As she was once again over 222 feet. Ryan Crouser tossed another 75 footer. Katie Moon kept raising the bar until she vaulted over 16 feet. And JuVaughn Harrison made the team in both the high jump and long jump for the second time! Mid and long distance runners did their thing too. As Elise Cranny won both the 10K and 5K races. With perhaps the biggest surprise of the meet being Athing Mu making the team in the 1500m with a second place finish in 4:03.44!
At the end of four days of high level competition, we once again put together a very strong team to send to the World Championships. In roughly a months time, the world will gather in Budapest, Hungary to determine who is the best in the world at their craft. I fully expect this collection of talent will get close to the 32 medal count that we had last year.
Stay tuned for some outstanding competition heading into Worlds with Diamond League meets in Silesia, Monaco and London. With everyone now out and competing, this season should really hit high gear!