Sophia Beckmon, a rising sprint star, is set to kick off her campaign at the 2023 USATF National Junior Olympic Championships at Hayward Field in Oregon today. The 17-year-old will participate in the 17-18 women’s 200-meter preliminaries, marking the start of a busy schedule.
Beckmon, fresh off representing Team USA at the recently concluded NACAC U23 Championships in Costa Rica, is returning to action on home soil. In San Jose over the weekend, she clinched gold medals in the long jump and 4x100m relay, capping off a fruitful campaign as a high schooler on the international stage.
The Oregon City High School graduate, who will turn 18 next month, enters the 2023 USATF National Junior Olympic Championships with the fastest time among the entrants in the women’s 200m.
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Despite not being credited with a time on the entry sheet, Beckmon has already clocked 22.99 seconds this season. She achieved this feat when finishing second to fellow sprint star Mia Brahe-Pedersen at the 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals.
In addition to her impressive time, Beckmon has consistently delivered low 23-second performances, including times of 23.11, 23.12, and 23.16.
Sophia Beckmon starts quest for USATF National Junior Olympic Championships trio
Today, Beckmon will begin her quest to win three gold medals, with the long jump and the 4x100m relay events scheduled later at the championships.
Read more: Gold and silver for Sophia Beckmon and Claire Bryant in NACAC U23 long jump
Among the leading contenders to challenge Beckmon for the gold medal are Nasya Williams, Braelyn Baker, and Ariike Elijah. Williams recently won the USATF Region 12 Junior Olympic Championships, while Elijah and Baker finished ahead at the 2023 Nike Outdoor Nationals.
The women’s 200m field will also feature strong competitors like Jizzale Davis, Bryce Brazzell, Aliyah Johnson, Jayla Ford, Emily Royce, and Taylor Jackson. Despite the formidable lineup, Beckmon is expected to navigate through the rounds successfully.
The 17-18 women’s 200m heats at the 2023 USATF National Junior Olympic Championships are scheduled for 9:16 p.m. ET tonight. Live streaming coverage will be available with a USATF.TV+ / RunnerSpace +PLUS
![Men’s 4x100m relay splits, results [semifinals] – 2023 World Athletics Championships](https://world-track.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mens-4x100m-relay-Itlay-win-heat-at-the-2023-World-Athletics-Championships.webp "Mens 4x100m relay Itlay win heat at the 2023 World Athletics Championships")
