From June 18 through June 27, the country’s best athletes will race at the A Part of Hearst Digital Media at the newly renovated Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, to determine which athletes will represent the United States at the Tokyo Games this summer.
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How to watch the A Part of Hearst Digital Media | Complete results
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Bor, Keter, and Ferlic will represent the U.S. in the men’s steeplechase final
Two-time Olympian Donn Cabral led for most of the race—the only final of the day on the track. However, 2016 Olympian Hillary Bor stayed close behind and took over the lead with about 600 meters to go. Bor and Benard Keter separated themselves from the pack late, with Bor winning in 8:21.34 and Keter crossing in 8:21.81.
Michigan runner Mason Ferlic, who trains under Ron Warhurst, took third for the final spot in 8:22.05. Ferlic sealed his spot on the Olympic team down the stretch, dueling with Daniel Michalski who just wasn’t able to catch the man in front of him. Nikki Hiltz Takes the Olympic Trials 1500 Meters, of Alaska, was in third at the water jump, but looked expended as Ferlic and Michalski passed him. Updike finished fifth in 8:24.72.
Slow starts in both of the men’s 1500-meter semifinals
In the first heat, a slow start left a huge crowd around the final turn into the stretch. However Craig Engels and Yared Nuguse made moves to take the top two spots in 3:38.56 and 3:38.60, respectively, to advance. Four came together across the line soon after for two spots, and Colby Alexander (3:38.71), Vincent Ciattei (3:38.74), and David Ribich (3:38.75) punched their tickets to the final.
When asked about his race, Engels told the media, “Shoot I don’t know. I just went for the win and got it.”
In heat two, there was no denying the two leaders, NCAA champion Cole Hocker and 2016 gold medalist Matthew Centrowitz, who dropped 52-flat final 400s. Centrowitz side-eyed the youngster in the final meters, saying something that made Hocker smile. Centrowitz took the win in 3:42.96, and Hocker crossed in 3:43.00. Behind them were Josh Thompson (3:43.61), Henry Wynne (3:43.77), and Sam Prakel (3:43.82).
Allyson Felix on to the 200-meter final
Could Allyson Felix double up again for Team USA after qualifying already for the 100? She certainly up there, taking second in the first heat in the semifinals. She was back coming into the final stretch in lane nine and was charging for eventual winner Jenna Prandini, who won with a time of 21.99—her second time going sub-22 in as many days. Felix took second in 22.20.
“I was way out there [in lane nine], so I had to run a good curve to give myself a chance,” Felix said on the NBC broadcast after the race. “I’m taking this all in, like I said, this is my last time.”
Gabby Thomas was the only other athlete to run a sub-22 in either the first round or semifinals. Her 21.94 in the second heat was her second personal best at these Trials.
Thomas and Prandini will be the two to catch in the final on Saturday, June 26.
The matchup is set for an exciting 400-meter hurdles final
Reigning Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad and 2016 Sydney McLaughlin are set for a rematch, which, if history repeats itself, could lead to another world record. (The last two times Muhammad and McLaughin have raced, there has been a world record set.)
There was more drama with the starting blocks in the first heat, and it took four tries to get the first heat off. When it finally went, McLaughlin smoothly won in 54.07.
“It was a little difficult [with the false starts], but tried to show some grace and refocus,” she said on the NBC broadcast. “I can't always control what happens but I can control how I deal with it.”
Muhammad, who has had a tough season with injuries, won the final heat in 55.51.
“I just wanted to go out there, do just enough to make it to the finals,” Muhammad said. “I was having a little difficulty kind of feeling out the race. It went well.”
Raj Benjamin back to form as he moves on to 400-meter hurdles final
Raj Benjamin went out so fast in the second heat that he caught all of the outside lane runners by the second hurdle, and then he literally jogged the final 100 meters. This was a much better performance than the first round, where Benjamin looked a little uncomfortable.
“I still wanted to go a little faster, but it’s the semifinals, so I want to save it for tomorrow,” Benjamin said after the race on the NBC broadcast.
Kenny Selmon actually had the fastest time of the semifinals, running a season- best 49.04. Right with him at the line though was Khallifah Rosser in 49.04 and Oklahoma runner Isaiah Levington in 49.34. Levington was the NCAA runner-up in the 400 hurdles, and won the Big 12 Championship this season.
“I’ve been itching to drop a true 48,” Selmon said. “It’s been tough to do. I knew I had it in me. Job’s not finished. I like where I’m at.”
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Mu, Wilson, and Rogers on Their Way to 800 Final
Athing Mu took her second win of the Trials, winning the first heat in 1:59.31 against a competitive field. Kate Grace (1:59.43) and Chanelle Price (1:59.90) finished second and third, also advancing to the final.
“You know it’s getting a little warm, but I am living in Texas for college, so I’m kind of used to this. But for being in Eugene, it’s a little hot,” Mu said on the NBC broadcast. “I’m just running and trying to qualify top two, if not win the race, to get ready for the final, you know, just execute.”
Ajee Wilson and Raevyn Rogers were in complete control of the second heat, taking one and two, respectively. Third qualifier Allie Wilson pushed the pace at the front for the second day in row and was able to hold on to her spot after Rogers and Ajee Wilson passed her on the final stretch. Ajee Wilson stayed on Allie Wilson’s heels from the first 100 until the final 100 while Rogers sat back and waited until the final 400 to go from fifth to second, letting up near the line.
“I think this year’s a lot more clustered, a lot more women are around the same times,” Wilson said. “It’s a coin toss depending on what day it is on who's coming out on top. We're super consistent and it’s an amazing field.”
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An unexpected five (!) false starts in the final heat of the men’s 110-meter hurdles heats
No surprises from those who moved on, but there were five—yes, five—false starts in the final heat of the day. It is unclear what caused the issue, but it’s possible there was an equipment error, and it ultimately led to the disqualification of Washington State runner Samuel Brixey.
First round of the men’s 200 meters goes as expected
Reigning world champion Noah Lyles advanced in the first heat, dropping the second fastest time on the day (20.19) behind 17-year-old Erriyon Knighton (20.04), who just turned pro after wrapping up his high-school career. Knighton even looked back before letting up for his final steps.
“It was a good race. I came out here and did what I had to do,” Knighton said. “Not too, too much pressure, but I had to run.. Had the champ behind me so I couldn’t let up too much.”
Behind them were a long list of runners right on their heels, including Fred Kerley, who is already on the Olympic team in the 100 meters; Terrance Laird, recent LSU graduate and the SEC champion in the 100 and 200 meters; Josephus Lyles, brother to Noah; Matthew Boling, standout at Georgia, and Isiah Young, 2012 Olympian.
The semifinals will run on Saturday, June 26 at 7:33 p.m. PDT.
