EUGENE, Ore. — The world of American sprinting is buzzing with the resurgence of another talented athlete this year.
Gabby Thomas showcased her exceptional skills by defeating Sha’Carri Richardson with the fastest time in the world for 2023, securing victory in the women’s 200 meters at the U.S. track and field championships on Sunday night.
Thomas showcased her incredible speed as she caught up to Richardson around the curve and crossed the finish line in just 21.60 seconds, leaving Kayla White in third place.
After a challenging previous season plagued by a hamstring injury, the 26-year-old Thomas decided to skip the 100-meter event in order to conserve her energy for the 200 meters, allowing her to make a remarkable comeback and return to top form.
Reflecting on her victory, Thomas said, “This one is really sweet. Coming from the injury is just so emotionally and mentally grueling, you just don’t know what to expect. You’re kind of off your game a little bit. Your confidence is a little shot. So for me to come back and train really hard, work hard all season to be at this really competitive meet is amazing.” Thomas, who graduated from Harvard in neurobiology before pursuing a master’s degree at Texas, clearly demonstrated her resilience and determination.
Similarly, Richardson is also on the path to redemption and accomplished her objective at the national championships by qualifying in both sprint events for the upcoming worlds in Budapest, Hungary. The 23-year-old sprinter had previously won the 100 meters on Friday, marking a significant milestone for her journey. Richardson faced a setback two years ago when her national title in the 100 meters was stripped after testing positive for marijuana.
Not only did Thomas and Richardson impress, but Shericka Jackson also left her mark at the Jamaican championships with an outstanding time of 10.65 seconds in the 100 meters.
In the men’s 200 meters, 19-year-old Erriyon Knighton triumphed over Kenny Bednarek, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 19.72 seconds. Courtney Lindsey claimed third place.
Knighton explained, “The main goal is to just go in there and execute. I executed and I came out with a win.” Bednarek and Knighton had previously won silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon last summer. The current gold medalist in the event, Noah Lyles, had an automatic qualification for the worlds in both the 200 and 100 meters and decided to sit out the race.
Surprisingly, Fred Kerley, the reigning world champion in the 100 meters, suffered his first defeat of the season and finished in fourth place. However, Kerley still has a guaranteed spot at the worlds in the 100 meters event.
Shamier Little utilized a strong start to hold off 2016 Rio Olympics champion Dalilah Muhammad in the women’s 400 hurdles. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opted to skip the event and focus on the open 400, a decision that paid off as she emerged victorious on Saturday night. McLaughlin-Levrone secured an automatic qualification for the 400 hurdles at the worlds following her record-breaking win last summer.
Little even had the energy to celebrate her victory with a victory dance after the race.
In the men’s 400 hurdles, American record holder Rai Benjamin clinched an impressive win, setting the stage for another anticipated showdown with his rival Karsten Warholm. Benjamin finished as the runner-up to the Norwegian at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where Warholm shattered the world record. Last summer at the world championships, Benjamin once again finished in second place, this time behind Alison Dos Santos of Brazil.
No surprises in the shot put event as Ryan Crouser emerged victorious. Although he didn’t break any world records this time, Crouser has become known for his record-breaking performances every time he steps into the circle. Crouser’s current world record, set in May, stands at 23.56 meters (77 feet, 3 3/4 inches), pending ratification.
