Current:Home > NewsUS Olympic track and field trials: College athletes to watch list includes McKenzie Long -QuantumProfit Labs
US Olympic track and field trials: College athletes to watch list includes McKenzie Long
View
Date:2025-04-24 12:02:41
The NCAA track and field championships just ended at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Now, some of the top collegiate athletes will return to the same site to compete for a spot on Team USA at the 2024 U.S. Olympic track and field trials, which begin Friday and run through June 30.
Collegiate athletes just endured a long NCAA season, but many have a chance to make noise at the Olympic trials. USA Today Sports lists four of those athletes who could place in the top three at the Olympic trials and earn a trip to Paris.
Ole Miss sprinter McKenzie Long
Events: 100, 200
Long was named USATF Athlete of the Week following her standout performance at the 2024 NCAA track and field championships.
The Ole Miss senior won NCAA titles in the 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relay. Long is one of 15 women in NCAA Division I history to sweep the 100 and 200. In addition, she is one of just six to add on a win in the 4x100-meter relay.
Long enters the Olympic track and field trials with the second fastest time in the 200 (21.83) and she has the fifth fastest mark in the 100 (10.91).
Tennessee sprinter Jacious Sears
Events: 100, 200
In April, Sears ran an impressive 10.77 in the 100, the second fastest time in NCAA history. Her 10.77 still stands as the fastest time in the world this year.
However, Sears sustained an apparent injury in May. Sears declared for the 100 and 200 at the Olympic trials. She not only has a chance to make Team USA but win the 100 if she recaptures her form from her stunning race in April.
The Tennessee senior is also entered in the 200.
USC sprinter Johnnie Blockburger
Event: 400
Blockburger, the Pac-12 Men’s Athlete of the Year, won the 200 and 400 at the conference’s championship meet. The USC runner finished fourth in the 400 at the NCAA championships.
Blockburger’s personal-best time of 44.51 ranks 13th in the world this year and is the seventh top qualifying mark entering the trials.
Northern Arizona distance runner Nico Young
Events: 5,000, 10,000
Young has the second fastest entry in the 10,000 and third fastest in the 5,000 at the U.S. trials. Young’s 26:52.72 in the 10,000 is a collegiate record. The Northern Arizona distance runner won 2024 NCAA indoor titles in both the 3,000 and 5,000. He placed second in the 5,000 at this year’s outdoor championships.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
veryGood! (73)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Kristin Cavallari Wants Partner With a Vasectomy After Mark Estes Split
- These Oprah’s Favorite Things Are Major Sell-Out Risks: Don’t Miss Your Chance!
- Are schools closed on Election Day? Here's what to know before polls open
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Man faces fatal kidnapping charges in 2016 disappearance of woman and daughter in Florida
- Colin Allred, Ted Cruz reach end of Senate race that again tests GOP dominance in Texas
- 'Yellowstone' star Luke Grimes on adapting to country culture
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- A former Trump aide and a longtime congressman are likely to win in high-profile Georgia races
Ranking
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Easily find friends this Halloween. Here's how to share your location: Video tutorial.
- Competitive Virginia races could play a critical role in the battle for Congress
- Ex-Ohio police officer found guilty of murder in 2020 Andre Hill shooting
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Connecticut to decide on constitution change to make mail-in voting easier
- Connecticut to decide on constitution change to make mail-in voting easier
- Why are there no NBA games on the schedule today?
Recommendation
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
Erik Menendez’s Wife Tammi Menendez Shares Plea for His Release After Resentencing Decision
NFL trade deadline grades: Breaking down which team won each notable deal
A Guide to JD Vance's Family: The Vice Presidential Candidate's Wife, Kids, Mamaw and More
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Queen Camilla suffering from chest infection, forced to call off engagements, palace says
Republican Mike Braun faces Republican-turned-Democrat Jennifer McCormick in Indiana governor’s race
Taylor Swift Reunites With Pregnant Brittany Mahomes in Private Suite at Chiefs Game