EUGENE, Ore. — In the past few months, McKenzie Long has experienced pure elation and complete heartbreak.
Saturday at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, she felt both.
Long, the NCAA champion in the 100 and 200 meters earlier this month, finished third in the 200 final here, qualifying for the Paris Olympics in her best event. She crossed the line in 21.91, behind winner Gabby Thomas (21.81) and Brittany Brown (21.90).
Long was a star at Ole Miss who had the best 200 time in the world this season — which she ran in Eugene at the NCAA championships on June 8 — before Thomas went even faster in the semifinals. Long also competed in the 100 here but did not make the final.
