Now that we’ve gotten past the first big championship meet of the year (NC’s) we’re days, not weeks, away from US Trials. Days as in about 10. A meet that many consider as tough as Worlds. Given its depth and cutthroat nature. This year should be no different with several high level matchups on the horizon. In some ways that’s an understatement, because basically every event has some sort of high level matchup. This year, however, there are some matchups that seem more exciting to me than usual. For example.
Trey Cunningham v Devon Allen – Men’s 110H
At the start of the season, most would have predicted a close race for bragging rights, with Grant Holloway watching and resting since he has a bye. Grant will probably watch, as I’m sure he’s working out his race. What we’ll be watching on the track however, could be an attack on the WR! What a difference a few months can make. You see, Trey Cunningham is coming off a 13.00 victory at the just ended NCAA Championships – the #2 performance in college history. Meanwhile, just a couple of days later, Devon Allen ran 12.84 upset of Mr Holloway – yes 12.84! Making him the #3 hurdler in history! Suddenly even with Gran having the bye, we have a race that could be one of the hottest of the Trials! This will be very interesting. I mean, are these hurdlers Grant’s new peers, or were these runs just outliers? In inquiring minds want to know.
Gabby Thomas v Abby Steiner – Women’s 200
Last year was Ms Thomas’ break out season. She ran 21.61; won Olympic bronze; and became consistent under 22. She became one of the best 200 runners that we’ve seen in the US since the peak of Allyson Felix’ career. This year has been that year for Abby Steiner. She set the AR in the event indoors. Then proceeded to run several 22.0x races outdoors before running a sizzling 21.80 to set a CR. Now the two will meet for the first time at the Trials. In what could be the first of many battles. Steiner apparently is taking her first appearance at the Trials very seriously, as she has decided to not run the 100, and just focus on the deuce. Sweet. Jenna Prandini also broke 22 with consistency last year, and should be considered a strong bet to make the team. So this could be a very fast, very fun race to watch. As well as a preview of the potential core of our female sprint crew.
Noah Lyles v Erriyon Knighton – Men’s 200
Ok, this is just going to be a fun race for anyone that is a fan of the 200 meters. Erriyon Knighton, 19.49 PB/SB. Noah Lyles, 19.50 PB, 19.61 SB. This is how America’s two fastest 200 sprinters will be listed in Eugene.This is going to be an unexpected race, since most expected Noah to run the 100, because he has the bye here. But Noah has not been as successful as he wanted to be getting his start perfected. So, no 100 for Noah, but a focus on the 200 instead. Great for fans in my opinion is looking to improve on last season, which saw him make the Olympic team and finest fourth! An upgrade would mean something between gold and bronze. Of course, while the focus will most likely be on this pair, they will not be the only sprinters in the race. Olympic silver medalist Kenny Bednarek should be there. Although he has not been as fast or prolific as last year. As should Fred Kerley. Olympic silver medalist in the 100, but a 19.76 performer here. So, while I billed it as a “matchup” between the two athletes currently at the top of the yearly performance list. This could end up being a bit deeper than that. As a matter of fact, if all four are in the final expect something sizzling hot!
Michael Norman v Randolph Ross v Champion Allison v Michael Cherry – Men’s 400
Ahhh suki suki. It’s been a while since we had a really fast and exciting Trials 400. Like we had back in the 90’s and early 00’s. I know Norman and Kerley went at it once. But lately we’ve lacked that type of “speed” in the event regularly. I expect this race to have that kind of speed with depth to it. You know, where they hit 300 and the race hasn’t been decided yet! And we get that fast, gritty home stretch finish! Norman’s running his best. Ross and Allison are looking like they’re ready to challenge. And Cherry is training with John Smith – enough said. This is the tip of a quartermilers iceberg, that should have a final with everyone holding 44sec or faster PB. It could take a 43 to make the team – that’s three deep 43. I haven’t felt like that since the 90’s!
The Women’s 100
Wide open. That’s why I’ve not listed any specific names. I am not sure who is going to be going at it when they line up for this final. Sha’Carri Richardson should be the favorite. She’s been running near her old self the past few weeks. However, Aleia Hobbs just edged her at New York and could win. Before that, Jenna Prandini ran Sha’Carri close twice and she could be in the mix. Then there’s Sha’Carri training mate TeeTee Terry who runs hot and cold, but if she’s running hot she should make the team. Starting to get the picture? There are a lot of “ifs” out there this year. Of course, everything seems to start with Sha’Carri. She is the barometer by which the rest of the women are measured. Like it or not. Because the goal is competing with the Jamaicans, and until something changes she’s our best shot. Hopefully the women’s 100 picture leaving Eugene will be a bit stronger.
The Men’s 100
Also wide open. Moreso that one would have expected at the end of 2021. Last year was very deep. If you could run 9.8x you weren’t in the mix. This year has been slower, both in terms of performances and in terms of athletes have been progressing. The only clear favorite for the team right now is Trayvon Bromell. He’s running like a potential medalist – maybe even gold. Christian Coleman has a bye as the defending champion, so he’s guaranteed a spot at Worlds. But he’s been missing a step so far. Noah Lyles looks like he’s back to being his old self, but recently announced he’s going to focus on the deuce. After Trayvon, Fred Kerley is the most consistent. Fred is ALWAYS ready to compete. The players behind them is a bit thin. Micah Williams looked ready to step up, until the final an NC’s. Instead of winning and threatening the CR, he ended up in 6th place. So, we’ll just have to wait and see who steps up at Trials. This will be quite interesting.
Sydney McLaughlin v the Field v the Clock
I’m pretty sure that everyone in town will be watching when Sydney takes to the track! She only opened up with a 51.61, with a couple of hurdles being off. Sydney demolished the old WR in much the same way that Karsten Warholm did with the men’s. Except she’s come back and looks like she just might be ready to that, AGAIN! And I’m not sure if anyone can run with her. Delilah Muhammad has been able to in the past, but this version of Syd looks a bit different. Let’s face it, she a decade younger and is still approaching her prime. Her ceiling seems to be WAY up there. And it’s clear that we’re watching something special take place. So yes, this race is about the field behind Sydney and the clock that she’s running against! This final will be popcorn time!
Athing Mu v the Field v the Clock
Yes, this is somewhat of a repeat of the Sydney story. Because Athing is that much ahead of the rest of the world in the 800! The only difference is that Athing is chasing what once seemed like an impossible record! Key words there, once seemed, because I’m beginning to think that it’s something that Athing can do before her career is over. For now, I see her dominating this field to make the team. Probably somewhere around 1:56.50. Then going to Worlds; racing Keely: and running something around 1:54.50. Her first 1:53-high in Budapest. Then a strong run at the record in Paris. There, I said that out loud. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. In the meantime, she’ll just use that smooth transmission of her’s to win her first trip to Worlds.
Ok, that’s what I see as the best “matchups” heading into the Trials. If you liked NC’s, you’re gonna love this one!