Brace yourself for Saturday’s (29 June) women’s 200m final.
If Friday’s (28 June) semi-final is any indication, it could be the race not only of the day – but of these U.S. Olympic Team Trials – track & field.
A blazing fast Sha’Carri Richardson made her mark first in the semi-final, matching her personal-best time of 21.92 in the first heat.
But it was Gabby Thomas, the Tokyo bronze medallist, who answered back with a 21.78 in the third and final heat—a world lead time to advance into the finals as the fastest competitor.
While Richardson has already sealed her spot at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the 100m, Thomas scratched from the 400m earlier in the week to stay laser-focused on the 200m. And it’s a move that has paid off.
“I was really happy with that [semi-final]; that felt like a very smooth and easy run for me and I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Thomas. “So, to see that kind of time, something that felt so nice and controlled… is a good feeling.”
Is Thomas here to make a statement? Absolutely, she said.
“This is my year. So, if I make the [Olympic] team, I want to come out with another world lead, another PB, and just show everyone that I’m ready to compete.”
Thomas clocked a 21.60 last year at this same Hayward Field venue in Eugene, Oregon, at the U.S. Championships to book her spot on Team USA for Worlds.
Reigning collegiate 200m winner Mackenzie Long qualified with the third-fastest time, winning heat two with a 22.01. Abby Steiner hit a personal best of 22.03, followed by Brittany Brown (22.08), Tamari Davis (22.10), Tamara Clark(22.12), Jenna Prandini (22.62 SB) and University of Oregon’s Jadyn Mays (22.33) all heading into finals
