If there was any doubt that Justin Gatlin is the man to beat for the World Championship title in August, such was put to bed after he powered to victory in the men’s 200m at the USA national trials, winning convincingly in a lifetime’s best of 19.57s.
The 2004 Olympic champion is yet to lose a race this year, churning out impressive times in his races, and he rekindled it at the trials, cementing his status as the biggest threat to Usain Bolt. Interestingly, Gatlin’s time is the fifth best ever in the distance, and he even surpassed his Personal Best (PB) of 19.68s. “When I was in the warm-up area, I was like, you know, let’s go out here and make a statement” he told USATF.TV.
Meanwhile in the 100m, Tyson Gay emerged winner in a time of 9.87s to claim the title and also earn a spot in the USA team, but the story of the race belonged to young Trayvon Bromell who ran the fastest time in the semis (9.79s), finishing 2nd in 9.96s in the final to make the team, while Mike Rodgers with his 3rd place finish of 9.97s also qualified.
Ryan Bailey surprisingly false started in the preliminary rounds, which got him eliminated. While Marvin Bracy, who has been in fine form, having done two sub 10s races last month, will not be in the team as well as he couldn’t make the semis
In the men’s 200m, there was no place for 2013 Bronze medalist Curtis Mitchell, who failed to make the cut, with Isiah Young and Wallace Spearmon selected by virtue of their 2nd and 3rd place finishes in 19.93s and 20.10s respectively, and they will be joining Gatlin as the three qualified athletes in the race.
2008 Olympic champion, LaShawn Meritt might have already pre-qualified, but he didn’t find it any easy in the 400m race as he finished 2nd in 44.66s behind David Verburg who won the race in 44.63s. There was no place for Tony McQuay, with Vernon Norwood and Bryshon Nellum completing the team after running 44.80s and 45.18s to finish 3rd and 4th respectively.
David Oliver also carried over his Diamond League form to the US trials, winning the 110m hurdles in 13.05s, with Ronnie Ash, Aries Merritt, Aleec Harris taking the other qualification spots. In the 400m hurdles, the trio of Michael Tinsley, Johnny Dutch and Kerron Clement will join Bershawn Jackson who won the race in 48.29s.
The Women’s events
A lot of upsets and thrills were recorded in the women competitions. The women’s 400m ended in fascinating fashion, and the shocker was the non-qualification of Olympic champion, Sanya Richard-Ross, who did not qualify for the final race with her time of 50.95s. If that was not jolting enough, Francena McCorory finished 4th in the final in 50.88s . Allyson Felix soared to victory in 50.19s to take the 400m race, while Natasha Hastings and Phyllis Francis completed the team after finishing 2nd and 3rd with times of 50.25s and 50.67s respectively .
There is a twist though, there are reports that Felix might change her mind and give up the 400m race in preference of the 200m, because she does not want to compete in both races owing to the schedules. If she indeed forfeits the 400m race, it will now open the window for McCorory to come in. Although she is not entirely out of the World Championships, as she could get selected for the relays.
Jenna Prandini was the surprise package in the 200m, winning in 22.20s, with Candyce McGrone coming 2nd in 22.38s and Jeneba Tarmoh 3rd in 22.44s, and the trio will join Felix as qualifiers. Torie Bowie edged out English Gardener to win the 100m in 10.81s, and the latter finishing 2nd in 10.86s with Jasmine Todd 3rd in 10.92s.
The other big surprise came in the women’s 100 hurdles where Jasmine Stowers failed to qualify. Dawn Harper-Nelson won the race in 12.55s, while Keni Harrison, 2nd in 12.56s and Sharika Nelvis 3rd in 12-59s took the last two spots . Stowers who has had some ups and downs this year, finished 6th in 12.65s and failed to qualify.
One of the biggest stories of the championship has to be Alysia Montano who won the 800m in 1:59.15, ten months after giving birth. Montano defeated Brenda Martinez who finished second, with Ajee’ Wilson taking the final spot.
Field Events
Olympic champion, Christian Taylor is the first name in the Triple Jump list, with Omar Craddock, Will Claye and Marquis Dendy also in the team. Joe Kovacs won his second consecutive Shot Put event, with a 21.84m throw, qualifying alongside Reese Hoffa, Christian Cantwell and Jordan Clarke. Michelle Carter, Tia Brooks and Jeneva Stevens qualified in the women’s category. Erik Kynard’s 2.37m height in the men’s high jump saw him through. Marquis Dendy who won with distance of 8.68m
Tianna Bartoletta won the women’s Long Jump with a PB of 7.12m, defeating Olympic Champion, Brittney Reese who recorded a 6.97m mark.
However, the biggest achievement in the Jumps came from Marquis Dendy, who won with a remarkable distance of 8.68m, beating Jeff Henderson who finished 2nd with his 8.44m mark. Dendy is now the World Lead this year and will be coming to the World Championship as a dark horse and one to keep an eye on.
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Photo Credit: olympictalk.nbcsports.com
