EUGENE, Oregon, (June 26) – Fresh off her victory in the 100 meters, world champion Sha’Carri Richardson sets her sights on a sprint double as the women’s 200m heats kick off at the U.S. Olympic Trials on Thursday.
Richardson, who clocked a blistering 10.71 seconds to win the 100m final last Saturday, faces a tough field in the early round in her quest for Olympic qualification in the 200m.
Read more: Grant Holloway runs impressive 12.92secs WL at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials
The 24-year-old who has a personal best of 21.92 seconds, is slated to compete in a star-studded first heat alongside former NCAA champion Abby Steiner, the 2022 national champion who owns a personal best of 21.77 seconds, and rising star Tamari Davis.
Defending national champion Gabby Thomas, who claimed bronze in Tokyo three years ago, headlines the second heat. The Harvard graduate who claimed silver behind Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson at the world championships last summer, aims to prove she’s still America’s top half-lap sprinter.
Meanwhile, NCAA champion McKenzie Long seeks redemption in the third heat after failing to advance to the 100m final. The former Ole Miss standout enters the 200m with the fastest time of the year at 21.83 seconds.
With only three spots available on the U.S. Olympic team, the competition promises to be fierce. The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, with the final set for Saturday evening.
As the trials reach their midway point, all eyes will be on Sha’Carri Richardson to see if she can complete a sprint double and cement her status as America’s track queen.
2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Women’s 200m Start List
Saturday, June 22
Heat 1
1. Celera Barnes, adidas
2. Anavia Battle, adidas
3. Tamara Clark, adidas
4. Tamari Davis, adidas
5. Sha’Carri Richardson, NIKE
6. Abby Steiner, PUMA
7. Twanisha Terry, NIKE
8. Kayla White, adidas
Heat 2
1. Jada Baylark, Unattached
2. Mikiah Brisco, adidas
3. Cambrea Sturgis, adidas
4. Gabby Thomas, New Balance
5. Javianne Oliver, Unattached
6. Jenna Prandini, PUMA
7. Shannon Ray, adidas
8. Morolake Akinosun, adidas
Heat 3
1. Jacious Sears, Tennessee
2. Aleia Hobbs, adidas
3. Melissa Jefferson, NIKE
4. McKenzie Long, Mississippi
5. Candace Hill, ASICS
6. English Gardner, NIKE
7. Kiara Parker, Unattached
8. Ariane Linton, Arkansas