Track and field athletes from around the country will convene in Eugene, Oregon, a place affectionately known as Track Town, USA for the U.S. Olympic track and field trials that begin Friday and conclude June 30.
The athletes competing at Hayward Field are all attempting to stamp their ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The top three finishers will advance to the Paris Olympics.
The U.S. track and field team is one of the toughest rosters to make in the world. USA TODAY Sports identifies the athletes to watch throughout the trials in Eugene.
Noah Lyles
Events: 100, 200
Lyles isn’t shy about his desire to be the face of track and field.
“Anything I do, I want to do to the best of my ability,” Lyles said to USA TODAY Sports. “Just as much as I want to be the best at track and field, I also want to be the most recognized athlete in track and field.”
In order for Lyles to stake his claim as the face of men’s track and field, he has to come up golden at the Olympics. But the first order of business is for Lyles to make this year’s U.S. Olympic team. Lyles is the prohibitive favorite in the 200 meters and among the top contenders in the 100, along with Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley.
Lyles is the reigning world champion in the 100 and 200 meters. His personal-best time of 19.31 in the 200 is an American record. His top time in the 100 is 9.83.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
Event: 400 hurdles
