Richardson and Thomas Medal in 200 Meters world championships is short and sweet, with all of the action occurring within three hours. The timing—late afternoon into early evening Pacific time—makes the session convenient viewing throughout the U.S.
Here’s a quick guide to the day’s key events.
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Races to Watch Today
Men’s 1,500-Meter Final
When: 7:30 Must-See Races At Worlds
Broadcast: USA
Streaming: Peacock
Men’s 1500-meter finals at global meets have often been sit-and-kick affairs, with a laggardly early pace followed by a furious last lap. The epitome of that phenomenon came when American Day 5 of the track and field in 3:50.00, just .07 seconds faster than the women’s world record in the event.
The current generation of top milers has other ideas. At the 2019 world meet, Timothy Cheruiyot of Kenya set a fast pace from the start and never let up, winning in 3:29.26. (Only a handful of men break 3:30 in a typical year; none have yet in 2022.) At last year’s Olympics, Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway defeated Cheruiyot by employing the same fast-from-the-gun tactics and setting the Olympic record of 3:28.32. Add in other front runners, such as Abel Kipsang of Kenya, the fastest man in the world this year, and Australian Stewart McSweyn, and we’re likely to see another fast final in Eugene.
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Of course, running hard from the start and daring others to stay with you is easier said than done. You have to be confident that you’re good enough to outlast the best in the world, all of whom are well aware of your strategy, strengths, and weaknesses. And, well, you have to go out and do it.
All of that is to say that, while a fast final is likely, it’s also possible that a few hesitations early on could lead to a moderate opening pace. When that happens, runners like Ingebrigtsen and Cheruiyot might decide on the fly to hold back for a strong last 500 meters. However things play out, this should be a fascinating race.
The lone American in the final, Josh Thompson, will fare best in a tactical race that allows him to use his powerful last-lap kick.
Men’s 400-Meter Hurdles Final
When: 7:50 Other Hearst Subscriptions
Broadcast: USA
Streaming: Peacock
An Ingebrigsten win in the 1500 could set up a special night for Norwegians, as his compatriot Karsten Warholm seeks to defend his world title in the 400 hurdles. Warholm, in fact, has won the last two world titles, dating to 2017, as well as Olympic gold last year in Tokyo. Oh, and he twice broke the world record last year.
Warholm, however, hasn’t had his normal air of invincibility this season. His semifinal time of 48.00 was his fastest of the year, but it’s more than two seconds slower than his world record. American Rai Benjamin, silver medalist behind Warholm at this meet in 2019 and the Olympics last year, will seek to unseat the Norwegian. Trevor Bassitt and Khallifah Rosser make up the rest of a strong U.S. presence in the final.
Women’s and Men’s 200-Meter Semifinals
When: 6:05 p.m. PDT/9:05 p.m. EDT (women)/6:50 p.m. PDT/9:50 p.m. EDT (men)
Broadcast: USA
Streaming: Peacock
Did you know that, at top speed, 200-meter runners go faster than 100-meter runners? Or that some athletes consider semifinals to be more nerve-wracking than finals? With the finals not until Thursday, U.S. champions Abby Steiner and Noah Lyles can afford to really blast their semis to get the best possible lane assignment for two days later.
Day 5 of the track and field 2022 World Athletics Championships here.
Scott is a veteran running, fitness, and health journalist who has held senior editorial positions at Runner’s World and Running Times. Much of his writing translates sport science research and elite best practices into practical guidance for everyday athletes. He is the author or coauthor of several running books, including Running Is My Therapy, Advanced Marathoning, and Health - Injuries. Legend! Lyles Adds 200 Win to 100 Title Slate, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and other members of the sedentary media. His lifetime running odometer is past 110,000 miles, but he’s as much in love as ever.
