Highlights from Day 7 of the USA Track and Field Olympic Team Trials
Following a one-day hiatus, the USA Track and Field Olympic Team Trials resumed on Thursday, June 27, featuring the women's 3000m steeplechase and discus throw finals.
Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Final: Valerie Constien Surges to Third All-Time in U.S. History
Valerie Constien delivered a remarkable performance, running an impressive 9:03.22—a personal best by 11 seconds and a new trials record. In the final stages, she surged ahead of a competitive field including 2022 and 2023 US World Championships team member Courtney Wayment, last year's NCAA champion Olivia Markezich, and the relatively unknown Marisa Howard. A late stumble by Markezich at the last water jump allowed Wayment to finish second with a new personal best of 9:06.53, and Howard secured third with a time of 9:07.14, both joining Constien on the U.S. team for the Paris Olympics.
Women's Discus Throw Final: Valarie Allman Dominates with Near-Record Throw
Olympic champion Valarie Allman dominated the discus throw, making history with each of her scoring attempts, all sufficient to clinch the title. Her final throw measured an extraordinary 70.73 meters—her third-best ever—sealing her victory emphatically. She will be joined in Paris by Jayden Ulrich from Louisville and Veronica Fraley from Vanderbilt.
Men's 200m Heats: Building Up to a Showdown
The men's 200m heats set the stage for a thrilling contest, with world champions Noah Lyles and Erriyon Knighton leading the pack. Lyles clocked the fastest time of 20.10, closely followed by Knighton at 20.15. Lyles, fresh off his 100m win, which already secured his Paris berth, aims to double his ticket, while notable runners like Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley, who withdrew from the 200m, vie for positions in the semi-finals.
Women's 200m Heats: Sha'Carri Richardson Eyes a Double Qualification
Sha'Carri Richardson, after triumphing in the 100m, returned to the track for the 200m heats, posting the only sub-22-second time of 21.99. With this, she positioned herself as a strong contender for the Paris team, ahead of silver medalist Gabby Thomas, who also won her heat in 22.11. Both athletes comfortably advanced to the semi-finals, leading their heats with notable margins.
Women's 400m Hurdles Heats:
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has begun her campaign to secure consecutive Olympic gold medals. The current Olympic champion and world record holder commenced her journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Thursday, June 27.
Having clinched the gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021, McLaughlin-Levrone is aiming to be the first woman to win consecutive Olympic titles in this event, potentially facing her formidable rival, Femke Bol of the Netherlands.
In her second 400m hurdles race of the season, she dominated the field with a time of 53.07, significantly ahead of Anna Cockrell, who finished in 54.71. Shamier Little, who earlier reached the 400m flat final, placed third overall with a time of 54.93.
Men's 400m Hurdles Heats:
Rai Benjamin, the second fastest man ever in this event, effortlessly won his heat. He crossed the finish line at 49.56, well ahead of his competitors. James Smith followed in second place with a time of 50.28. This particular heat showcased a strong presence of collegiate athletes, with five of the seven lanes filled by university competitors.
