Some of the best athletes in the U.S. are set to take center stage in Eugene, Oregon for the 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships, which will determine who will represent Team USA in Budapest in August.
While a handful of athletes have automatic bids due to them either winning the World Championship last year in their respective events or them winning the Diamond League title, the majority of athletes competing will look to snag one of the three spots in each respective event that will make up Team USA.
There will be many great matchups that take place over the course of the championship meet, here are three that I’ll be watching with great anticipation.
Men’s 100m: No team is under more pressure to repeat a high-level performance than Team USA’s men’s 100m runners after sweeping the podium last year. Reigning world champion Fred Kerely has an automatic bid in the event, so he’ll be concentrating on the 200m instead of the 100m. Marvin Bracy-Williams and Trayvon Bromell finished with the silver and bronze medals, respectively, and they’ll look to make the team once again. After a sensational start to the season, Christian Coleman has been just a bit inconsistent in his last couple of races. But the 2017 world champion is capable of excellence, and he’ll look to prove that in Eugene. Noah Lyles is looking to make his first 100m team on the senior level, and he’s always a threat to medal with his elite closing speed. Look out for Cravont Charleston as well, as he’s poised for a breakout performance.
Women’s 400m: Britton Wilson vs. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the matchup that promises to deliver post-holiday fireworks. Wilson set the collegiate record in the 400m this season with her incredible time of 49.13. McLaughlin-Levrone is starting to find her groove in the open 400m, as she’s run 49.51 in the event, which is a new personal best. She’s set to make a decision on if she’s going to run the open 400m after USA’s. Other names to watch include Kendall Ellis, Lynna Irby-Jackson and Talitha Diggs.
Women’s Javelin: Kara Winger set the standard for the U.S. women’s javelin when she competed. Now that she’s retired, it’s time for another athlete to show what they can do in the event. Ariana Ince could be in line to be the next great U.S. women’s javelin thrower, and don’t be surprised if she wins the competition this weekend in Eugene and has a big summer in Budapest. Ince is now coached by Winger, and she has a great deal of experience in the event and on the global championship level. Former American record holder Maggie Malone-Hardin is also a serious contender to win the event, as she’s rounding back into the form that she was in when she set the American record a few years back.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the sprints and jumps, be sure to check out this preview video where I go over each event and give my selections.
For a comprehensive video of the distance races and field events, check out this video where we break down each event, and I pick who I believe will make the team as well.
