Coburn Captures One of Three Meeting Records
With a few days of rest under the belt, the U.S. Olympic Trials picked up right where it left off — on fire. Many events have begun qualifying rounds, as we prepare for what is sure to be an electric part two.
DeAnna Price opened with a new meeting record of 252’-11” (77.10m) in the hammer throw. After taking just one throw, she resigned for the evening only a meter and a half shy of her own American record.
The women’s shot put semifinal was relatively exciting, but the final was scintillating.
Jessica Ramsey punched the shot out to a new meeting record of 66’-1/4” (20.12m) and punched her ticket to Japan in doing so. This, too, was only half a meter short of Michelle Cater’s American record.
Tucking excruciatingly close behind her was Raven Saunders who hit a lifetime best of 65’-6” (19.96m) to capture the silver.
In the men's 1500m, all your favorites qualified for the next round. Yared Nuguse of Notre Dame, Sam Prakel, Cole Hocker, the mustachioed Craig Engels, Matt Centrowitz, and even the high school phenom Hobbs Kessler.
The women’s 200m has been one to keep an eye on, as Allyson Felix looks to recapture some of her past with her most notorious event.
She will have some heavy competition this year with the likes of Gabby Thomas, Jenna Prandini, and Cambrea Sturgis.
Thomas ran an incredible world-leading time of 21.98, setting a big first-round statement.
In perhaps one of my most anticipated events, the women's 800m did not disappoint. Chantelle Price, Ajee' Wilson, Raevyn Rogers, and teenage sensation Athing Mu all qualified for the next round. I have a feeling that final will be a hotly contested one.
Last, but certainly not least, the pride of Crested Butte, Emma Coburn, dominated the women’s steeplechase final. In towing along the rest of the field, she beat her own meet record by running a phenomenal time of 9:09.41, just ahead of her teammate and American record holder, Courtney Frerichs.
The bronze position was solidly secured by Val Constien in 9:18.34.
I am sure it doesn’t have to be said, but Day 5 is sure to turn heads.
