Day 4 Highlights from the 2024 U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials
On Monday night at the U.S. Track and Field Trials in Oregon, Cole Hocker set a new trials record and secured his spot for the Paris Olympics.
Hocker's performance in the 1,500 meters was record-setting, finishing with a time of 3:30.60, leading the three qualifiers for the Summer Olympics. "I knew today was going to require more than just a kick," Hocker stated. "Once I decided to push, I fully committed to it."
After almost setting a trials record in his first outing on Friday with a time of 3:34.34, and a slower semifinal win on Saturday, Hocker shattered the previous record on Monday.
Joining Hocker in Paris will be Yared Nuguse, a Notre Dame alumnus and the American record holder in the 1,500 meters and the mile, and Hobbs Kessler.
In the men’s 400 meters, Michael Norman, the 2022 world champion, was narrowly defeated by a lifetime best performance from Chris Bailey, who finished in 44.17 seconds at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Bailey clinched first place in the last 100 meters, with Norman securing second place in 44.41 seconds. They will be accompanied by Vernon Norwood, who narrowly outpaced Chris Bailey, finishing in 44.42 to Norwood's 44.47. Sixteen-year-old Quincy Wilson claimed sixth place with a time of 44.94, encouraging himself to 'Get home son,' as he relayed on NBC.
The women's 800m final was dramatic, with Olympic Champion Athing Mu taking an early fall. Michaela Rose initially led but was overtaken by Nia Akins in the final stretch, who clinched victory in 1:57.36. Allie Wilson and Juliette Whittaker also secured their spots on the Olympic team, following closely behind Akins.
