Noah Lyles Highlights Day 3 of the USA Track and Field Olympic Team Trials
Day three of the USA Track and Field Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon unfolded on Sunday, June 23, featuring several captivating finals. Here are the key moments:
Noah Lyles made a grand entrance at Hayward Field, accompanied by rap icon Snoop Dogg on the evening of June 23. The world's "fastest man" secured his spot for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with a winning time of 9.83 seconds in the men's 100m final, matching his personal best.
It was a tightly contested race from start to finish. Kenny Bednarek finished second with a new personal best of 9.87 seconds, while Fred Kerley, the Tokyo Olympic silver medalist, placed third at 9.88 seconds. Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion known for his explosive starts, finished fourth at 9.93 seconds, missing the team for a second consecutive trials.
In an epic women's 400m final, four runners broke the 50-second mark. Kendall Ellis, previously known for her relay performances, stunned the field by winning her first individual Olympic trial in a personal best time of 49.46 seconds, improving on her semifinal time by 0.35 seconds.
The men's pole vault saw record-breaking performances, with Sam Kendricks clearing a meet record of 5.92 meters (19-5) to lead the American trio, including Chris Nilsen and Jacob Wooten, both clearing 5.87 meters (19-3). Kendricks, a two-time World Champion and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, confirmed his participation in Paris after being sidelined at the Tokyo Olympics due to a Covid diagnosis.
Curtis Thompson dominated the men's javelin final with a season's best throw of 83.04 meters (272-5). Despite not meeting the Olympic standard, his global ranking should secure him a spot in Paris. Capers Williamson placed second with a throw of 79.57 meters (261-0).
Kenneth Rooks took the title in the men's steeplechase with a time of 8:21.92, leading Matthew Wilkinson and James Corrigan. Evan Jager, the American record holder, will miss the Paris Olympics after finishing fourth.
The women's hammer throw final was dramatic, with Annette Echikunwoke leading with a throw of 74.68 meters (245-0), closely followed by DeAnna Price. World leader Brooke Andersen and Janee Kassanavoid faced challenges, with Andersen disqualified after three fouls and Kassanavoid finishing sixth despite a fair third attempt.
