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Sprinter Justin Gatlin begins his quest to win the sprint double at the U.S. Olympic Games Team Trials when he lines up in the men’s 200m heats on Thursday evening.
Gatlin, who posted a world-leading 9.83 seconds to win the men’s 100m title last weekend, is the favourite to win the men’s 200m as well, but he could get strong challenge from several other sprinters, including Tyson Gay, Wallace Spearmon and Ameer Webb.
World-leader LaShawn Merritt, who has a 19.78 seconds year best, is also listed to start in the heats, but it is highly unlikely that he will seek a 200/400 double in Rio, next month.
Michael Rodgers, who finished fourth in the men’s 100m, will be hoping to secure an individual slot on the team.
Also in action on Thursday’s day six, is the heats of the women’s 100m hurdles, with the likes of Kendra Harrison, Nia Ali, Jasmin Stowers, Sharika Nelvis, Queen Harrison and Brianna Rollins all lining up.
Christian Taylor, Omar Craddock and Will Claye will hunt qualifying spots in the men’s triple jump competition. The women’s triple jump qualifying round gets underway on Thursday as well.
The women’s 400m and men’s 400m hurdles heats, women’s and men’s 1500m, with the women’s 3000m steeplechase.
