The event at Icahn Stadium, hosting nationals for the first time since 1991, sets up a potential showdown between Lyles and Christian Coleman, who ran 9.96 seconds in his heat.
Noah Lyles, the 2024 Olympic 100m gold medalist, and Sha’Carri Richardson, the 2024 Olympic silver medalist, secured their places in the semifinals at the 2026 USATF Outdoor Championships, which are being held at Icahn Stadium in New York City. Lyles, who won his first-round heat in 9.97 seconds, described the race as “a good warm-up” but hinted at a “fast final” on Friday. His time placed him second behind Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion, who ran 9.96 seconds in his heat. Richardson dominated the women’s 100m first round, finishing in 10.90 seconds, the fastest time of the day.
Lyles and Richardson Shine in Heats
Lyles, who has won the last two U.S. 100m titles, faced a competitive field in the men’s 100m, including 2025 U.S. champion Kenny Bednarek, who advanced with a time of 10.04 seconds. Bednarek, a two-time Olympic 200m silver medalist, has been focusing on the 200m this season but is among the favorites for the 100m title. Lyles, however, remains the clear favorite, with his 9.97-second performance in the first round. I could use about three more of those just to get the engine firing,
Lyles said, signaling his readiness for the semifinals.
Richardson, who is aiming to become the second woman to win three U.S. 100m titles since 2000, faced a lighter challenge in the women’s heats. She finished ahead of runners like Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the 2025 U.S. and world champion in the 100m, who opted to compete in the 200m this week. Richardson’s 10.90-second time was the fastest of the day, and she is expected to be a strong contender for the title.
Competitive Field and Future Implications
The men’s 100m semifinals and final are set for Friday night, with live coverage on Peacock and NBCSN. Lyles and Bednarek, who have a history of close head-to-heads, are expected to clash again in the final. In 2025, Lyles overtook Bednarek in the U.S. 200m final by four hundredths of a second, a finish that included a stare and a shove. The 2026 event could see a similar showdown, with both athletes vying for dominance in the 100m.
Coleman, who has been consistent in recent competitions, also advanced to the semifinals. His performance in the first round, despite a slight headwind of 0.3m/sec, was impressive. I was able to break 10 seconds without really hitting the gas like I know I can,
Coleman said, indicating he is still building up to his peak form. Bednarek, meanwhile, has been preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, with the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest set to be a key event this year.
Historical Context and Records
The 2026 USATF Outdoor Championships mark a significant moment in the history of the event, as Icahn Stadium hosts nationals for the first time since 1991. The venue, where Usain Bolt set a 100m world record of 9.72 seconds in 2008, has a rich legacy in track and field. Lyles, who has been a dominant force in recent competitions, aims to continue the tradition of excellence at the stadium. His performance in the first round suggests he is in strong form, with the potential to break the existing records.
Richardson, on the other hand, is looking to add to her legacy, with the possibility of becoming the second woman to win three U.S. 100m titles since 2000. The competition is expected to be fierce, with several top athletes vying for the top spot.
The event also highlights the growing importance of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which will be held in Budapest in September 2026. Athletes like Bednarek are already looking ahead to this competition, which will feature a limited field of top athletes. The ultimate goal for many competitors is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the best in the world will compete.
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