American Athletes Shine in Olympic Selections
American athletes have made a strong impression during the Olympic selections, setting the stage for a promising performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, secured her place in the Paris Olympics by winning the American selections in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After a two-year hiatus following her collapse at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Biles returned to competition in August 2023. The 27-year-old quadruple Olympic champion from Rio 2016 is expected to be one of the big stars of the upcoming Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11 in the French capital.
Track and Field Stars Set Records
Meanwhile, Noah Lyles has been vocal about his intentions to excel at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The triple world champion from Budapest (100m, 200m, and 4x100m) dominated the 200m during the American selections in Eugene, achieving the best world performance of the year with a time of 19.53 seconds. Lyles, who aims to compete in the 4x400m as well, is chasing his first Olympic gold medal after settling for bronze in the 200m in Tokyo 2021. He won his 25th consecutive 200m race, defeating Kenny Bednarek and Erriyon Knighton, who will join him in Paris.
In the women's 200m, Sha'Carri Richardson surprised many by not qualifying for the Olympic 200m, finishing fourth in the selection final. However, she will compete in the 100m and 4x100m at the Games. Gabby Thomas, Brittany Brown, and McKenzie Long will represent the U.S. in the 200m.
In Jamaica, the Olympic selections saw Shericka Jackson, the 200m world champion, setting the best time in the heats. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce opted out of the 200m, while Elaine Thompson-Herah is injured and will not defend her title.
Grant Holloway made headlines by clocking 12.86 seconds in the 110m hurdles during the American selections, marking the best world performance of the season and the fourth best time in history. Holloway, a three-time world champion, is a favorite for the Paris 2024 Games but is still seeking his first Olympic gold medal after winning silver in Tokyo 2021. Freddie Crittenden and Daniel Roberts will join him in Paris as part of the U.S. Olympic trio.
- Earlier in the evening, the sprinters showcased their skills during the 200m semi-finals. Olympic bronze medalist Gabby Thomas achieved the best world performance of the year in the 200m with a time of 21.78 seconds. Sha'Carri Richardson matched her record of 21.92 seconds, the same time that earned her bronze at the World Championships in Budapest last summer.
- Among the men, Noah Lyles impressed with a time of 19.60 seconds in the 200m, although the time was not approved due to excessive wind. Kenny Bednarek (19.96 seconds) and Erriyon Knighton (19.93 seconds) also advanced easily from the semi-finals, along with Christian Coleman (19.89 seconds).
