McLaughlin-Levrone, Lyles Headline US Track and Field Championships

Olympic champions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Noah Lyles headline the US Track and Field Championships, which commence Thursday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The four-day competition serves as the qualifying event for the upcoming Tokyo World Championships in September, though many reigning world champions have already secured their spots.

Despite the confirmed qualifications of high-profile athletes like Lyles, the event is still filled with intrigue and elite-level competition across the board.

Spotlight on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

A major talking point ahead of the championships is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s surprising decision to skip her signature event—the 400m hurdles—and instead focus on the 400m flat.

• Unbeaten in 400m hurdles since 2019, McLaughlin-Levrone’s choice raises the possibility of missing out on the hurdles event in Tokyo.
• However, she still has a route to qualification through the Diamond League Finals in August.

Women’s Sprints: Eyes on Richardson and Jefferson-Wooden

In the women’s 100m and 200m, reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson remains a central figure. Despite already securing her place in Tokyo thanks to her Budapest 2023 victory, all eyes are on her current form.

• The 100m heats are scheduled for Thursday, with the final on Friday.
• Jefferson-Wooden leads the rankings this season, adding tension to a likely face-off between the training partners.
• Both Richardson and Jefferson-Wooden will also compete in the 200m, where they face stiff competition from Gabby Thomas.

Men’s Sprints: Lyles, Bednarek and Bromell in Focus

In the men’s events, Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion in both the 100m and 200m, has already booked his place in Tokyo. But questions loom over his current form following a loss in London’s Diamond League on July 19, his first 100m defeat of the season.

Developments in Other Events

With Olympic legends, reigning world champions, and rising stars all converging in Eugene, the US Championships promise four days of thrilling athletic excellence, fierce competition, and critical qualification battles.