Just going to run through some of the events of the USATF championships and document some of my thoughts. Overall, some very surprising and unpredictable results in there. Was able to catch most of it on video which was great as many times I'll miss it with a conflict (I had loon this year but stayed up late some nights and watched some stuff on my phone).
Womens 10K:
Surprising that Elise Cranny won. Clearly had the potential based off past results but was really poor so far this year especially compared to Monson who broke the American record. At the end of the day, it's the kick that matters in a slow race.
Mens 10K:
Bummer of a race as I was rooting for Grant and it looked like he had when he got a gap going for it with 1200m to go. But he uncharacteristically totally fell apart in the last 200m and couldn't even run sub 30. Woody gets the win with a big kick and great year for him in 2023. Klecker another team and looks great easily in second. It's tough when one guy does the work and the ones who sit and kick win. Tough year for Grant following his incredible 2022 campaign, then lackluster results until now and with his stratch from the 5K with injury, he's left off the worlds team completely. Hopefully he gets back to full strength in the 2024 olympic year as he's clearly the top long distance American when it comes to being competitive on the world stage. Big surprise was Sean McGorty outkicking Fisher for 3rd, pretty surprising given the very fast last 1200m and Sean being injured earlier in the year so this was his race. Really a phenomenal performance and breakthrough for him. Overall a huge step up for USA runners following a mediocre 2022 10K.
Mens 100:
Definitely a shock win for Tracksmith's Cravont Charleston who I hadn't heard of until this meet. Coleman and Lyles fine but really not great performances and a weak US final. Surprising that 2021 olympic finalist Ronnie Baker, and 2023 silver and bronze medalists Bracy and Bromell not even close to making the teams. USA is an absolute powerhouse in the 100m but as much this year. Terrance Laird was having a good meet and bit of a comeback but surprisingly dead last in the final then scratches the 200m.
Womens 100m:
Not a fan of Richardson at all but have to admit she ran pretty well, both 100m and 200m and will contend for medal in Budapest.
Mens 400m:
super boring this year
Womens 1500m:
wild finish. not surprised Mu got 2nd
Mens 1500m:
Really exciting race. Nuguse delivers, not surprising but a little surprised for him to get passed. Shows he has a lot skillsets rather than just being a time trialer/kicking off a fast pace. Phenomenal race by Waskom for 2nd, looked fantastic. Hocker was fine but at least made the team. Good races by Prakel, Wynne and Hunter. Teare not making the final was a shock. Looked like he didn't realize he wasn't going to make it and slowed down through the line. Centro barely made the final and got 10th, has a ton of work to do for 2024 to be back to the top.
Womens 800m:
Really surprising for Ajee Wilson to completely bomb and get last, clearly some issue going on.
Mens 800m:
Weird race. Goes out kind of slow then Hoppel cuts Murphy before Harris cuts Murphy off. Murphy barely manages to kick for 3rd but still makes the team. Lot of shoving and wonder if the result would be different without all the contact. Overall team is about what was expected though. Should be much stronger year for USA at worlds for 800m than last.
Mens 400mH:
Rai Benjamin is an absolute beast. Who wins such a short event by 1.5 seconds?
Mens 5K:
Crazy race. Nur wins, clearly he had the potential but with all the guys in this field would not have picked him. Chelimo delivers after a slightly disappointing 10K but didn't position himself to win the race. Sean McGorty the shock of the meet getting another 3rd and beating some really great athletes. Klecker 4th but off the team and surprisingly Woody Kincaid is way back in 9th place. Solid race by Teare for 5th but won't be going to worlds and needed more. Crazy the big trio of Fisher, Kincaid, Klecker aren't the ones to pull off the double teams of 10K/5K and it's instead McGorty who's made 1 team in the past and hadn't raced this year prior to USA. Really an absolutely phenomenal weekend for McGorty. Really interesting race, can watch highlights here.
Mens 200:
Top 2 in Knighton-Bednarek goes to form but Kerley getting left off is really surprising. I don't like how he talks a huge game/is really cocky and then can't even get top 3 in the US.
Predictions for US team at worlds:
Mens 100m:
Kerley (had the bye): repeat win/gold medal
Coleman: 3rd
Lyles: 7th
Charlston: out in semis
Mens 200m:
Lyles (had the bye)- repeat gold/win
Bednarek- 2nd
Knighton- 3rd
Lindsey- out in semies
Mens 400m:
who cares?
Mens 800m:
Murphy- 3rd
Hoppel- 5th
Harris- 8th
Mens 1500:
Nuguse- 4th
Waskom- 10th
Hocker- out in semis
Mens steeple:
who cares?
Mens 5K:
Nur- 8th
chelimo- 5th
mcgorty- doesnt make final
Mens 10K:
kincaid- 10th
klecker- 6th
mcgorty- 11th
I didn't proofread this so sorry if there's mistakes
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