USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships Return to Hayward Field
The highly anticipated USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships have once again made their way to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. From Thursday, July 6 through Sunday, July 9, athletes from all levels of competition, from professional to high school, are battling it out for spots on Team USA headed to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest later this summer.
On Friday, July 7, the championships saw some incredible performances. Sha’Carri Richardson, the 23-year-old sprint phenom, claimed the women’s 100-meter crown. Richardson had a disappointing experience in last year’s championships, failing to qualify out of the first round. However, this year she made a strong comeback, winning the race in 10.82. Following closely behind her were Brittany Brown in second place with a time of 10.90 and Tamari Davis in third place with a time of 10.99. All three runners will represent Team USA in Budapest. This marks Richardson’s first time qualifying for a senior global championship, after missing out on the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive marijuana test.
In the men’s 100-meter final, Cravont Charleston surprised everyone with his upset victory. Defeating world champion Christian Coleman and two-time world champion Noah Lyles, Charleston emerged as the winner with a time of 9.95. Coleman finished second in 9.96, and Lyles placed third in 10.00. All three athletes will represent the United States in Budapest.
Another standout performance on Friday came from Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the two-time Olympic champion in the 400-meter hurdles. McLaughlin-Levrone dominated the women’s 400-meter semifinal, winning in 49.60, just 0.09 seconds shy of her personal best. She will contend for her first 400-meter title in the final on Saturday.
In the heptathlon, Anna Hall defended her title with an outstanding performance. Scoring an overall total of 6,677 points, Hall finished 358 points ahead of the runner-up, Taliyah Brooks. Hall’s victory comes after winning the NCAA title and the national championship last year. She looks poised to improve on her bronze medal at the upcoming world championships.
Thursday’s events also saw some notable performances. Elise Cranny stunned spectators with a blazing kick to win the women’s 10,000 meters. Cranny made a decisive move with 240 meters remaining and crossed the finish line in 32:12.30. In the men’s 10,000 meters, Woody Kincaid emerged as the winner, utilizing his lethal closing speed to pass the leaders on the last lap.
Overall, the USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships have been filled with thrilling moments and outstanding performances. The competition will continue throughout the weekend as athletes vie for a chance to represent Team USA in Budapest.