Surprising Outcomes at U.S. Olympic Track Trials
Eugene, Oregon hosted the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, setting the stage for athletes to head to the 2024 Paris Games. Athing Mu’s unexpected fall in the 800-meter semifinal and 16-year-old Quincy Wilson’s impressive performance in the men’s 400-meter final were among the notable surprises. Joyful moments included McKenzie Long’s qualification in the women’s 200-meter event, five months after her mother’s passing. Predictable outcomes were delivered by Noah Lyles in the 100 and 200 meters and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the 400 hurdles, though Christian Coleman faced disappointment with fourth-place finishes in his last realistic Olympic attempts.
Veteran Athletes and Rising Stars
Kara Winger and Leonard Korir, both in their late 30s, are the oldest athletes on the U.S. team, with Winger making her fifth Olympic appearance. Conversely, Quincy Wilson, 16, and Erriyon Knighton, 20, represent the younger generation of athletes. Wilson’s addition to the 4×400 relay pool marks him as the youngest team member, while Knighton secures his spot at the tender age of 20.
Standout Performances and New Aspirations
Shot putter Ryan Crouser aims for a historic third consecutive gold, holding 11 of the top 20 throws ever recorded. His rivalry with Joe Kovacs adds excitement to the mix. Oregon’s Jaida Ross utilized her home-field advantage at Hayward Field to qualify for the women’s shot put event. Several college athletes, including Aaliyah Butler and Jeremiah Davis, are also Paris-bound, bringing fresh talent to Team USA.
