This is a series started in Eugene during the Trials as an exercise focusing on the major themes of the day to prepare for Paris 2024. Day 7 of the series is presented here.
Fear and Loathing in Eugene, Day Seven showcased Team USA’s potential, featuring Larry Eder.
Day seven took place on June 27 in Eugene, Oregon. After a two-day break, the fans were back with around 12,000 spectators (including several coaches, athletes, and officials) at Phil and Penny’s establishment.
Women’s Discus
Valarie Allman dominated the competition, winning by 6.1 meters! Her series of throws included distances of 67.19 meters, 68.09 meters, and fouls of 69.72 meters, 67.64 meters, and a winning throw of 70.73 meters.
Valarie’s technique change with Coach Zebulon Sion in 2019 proved to be a game-changer. She went on to become the Olympic champion in 2021 and win medals in both Eugene and Budapest.
The stage is now set for Paris 2024.
Valerie Allman stands out as the premier women’s discus thrower in 2024 and is a strong contender for the Olympic gold in Paris. However, the field of competitors in the Women’s discus is strong.
Men’s 110 hurdles, semi-finals
Grant Holloway displayed his focus on making the Olympic team with another sub-13-second run. Both of his sub-13 runs this year have been in Eugene. Cordell Finch finished second in 13.19, followed by Cameron Murray with 13.27.
Freddie Crittenden clocked 13.05 in semi-final 2, with Ja’Qualon Scott in second at 13.23 and Trey Cunningham in third.
Daniel Roberts won semi-final 3 in 13.11, with Micheal Dickson in second at 13.19, and Devin Wilson in third at 13.23.
Grant Holloway has been eyeing Paris since Tokyo 2021, where he missed the gold. Despite the challenges, Grant remains a force in the hurdles events and a fan favorite. He is considered the top hurdler of his generation, and his hard work is evident in the 110m hurdles.
Women’s 1,500 meters
Cory McGee won the first heat in 4:15.75, advancing six to the semi-finals. Elise Cranny, Nikki Hiltz, and Sage Hurta Klecker also moved forward. Notably, Elise Cranny had competed in the 5,000 meters, and Sage Hurta-Klecker in the 800 meters.
In heat 2, NB’s Heather Maclean led with a time of 4:07.31, followed by Sinclaire Johnson, Helen Schlachtenhaufen, Gracie Hyde, Christie Aragon, Addy Wiley, and Anna Gibson.
Krissy Gear, the 2023 champion, faced challenges in the steeplechase and ultimately decided to end her season due to difficulties in both the heats and final.
Valeria Constien recently returned to competition following an injury last year in Doha. Anna Rodenfels led the race through the first kilometer in 3:00.53, with the pace picking up by the 2k mark led by Courtney Wayment in 6:08.23.
The race intensified in the final 1000m, with Valerie Constien making a strong move in the last kilometer to clinch victory with a time of 2:54.70, setting a new meet record of 9:03.22.
Courtney Wayment secured second place with a personal best time of 9:06.50, while Marissa Howard impressed with a big PB of 9:07.14.
Despite setbacks in the final stretch, Olivia Markezich showed perseverance and finished in sixth place with a personal best of 9:14.85.
This victory belonged to Valerie Constien, who overcame a challenging year of recovery from surgery. She led a group of athletes to PBs, reshaping the American steeple list in the process.
For full results of the 2024 US Olympic Trials: https://results.usatf.org/2024trials/
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