Young Stars Shine at Hayward Field

By Scott Bush

The world's toughest track and field team to make got that much harder on Sunday in Eugene. It took a personal best to make the women's top three and a sub-10 second clocking to make the men's team, as English Gardner and Justin Gatlin came away victorious at the U.S. Olympic Trials. 

Gardner Bests Bowie for National Title

The two pre-meet favorites in the women's 100m coming into the Trials were none other than English Gardner and Tori Bowie. Bowie entered ranked third in the world with a 10.80 clocking set earlier in the season when she beat reigning world 200m champion Dafne Schippers, while Gardner entered fourth in the world with a 10.81 best. Each had previously run under 11 seconds three times this season entering the Trials. 

As the gun sounded Sunday, Gardner got out of the blocks best, getting a half stride lead on the competition. Coming out of the drive phase, Gardner maintained a slight edge on Bowie and Tianna Bartoletta, all three starting to pull away from the rest of the field.

In the final strides, Gardner held on gamely to edge Bartoletta and Bowie, crossing the finish line in victorious fashion in front of fans going wild for the former University of Oregon standout. 

All three women ran personal bests, Gardner with her 10.74 winning mark and Bartoletta and Bowie finishing second and third with the same time of 10.78. Fourth place Morolake Akinosun was well behind in 10.95.

Gatlin Reigns Supreme Once Again

There wasn't much discussion about who would win Sunday's men's 100m contest, with most fans simply assuming multi-time U.S. champion Justin Gatlin would crush the competition. While Gatlin did indeed win over the loaded field, he had to outwork young pro Trayvon Bromell for the win. 

Gatlin, Bromell, Marvin Bracy and Michael Rodgers got out of the blocks best, which was a considerable move for each, establishing themselves early. As the first half of the race progressed, Gatlin pulled into a tie with Bromell (who had the fastest start) and the two waged a battle until 80 meters, when Gatlin pulled away to a 9.80-9.84 win. Both Gatlin and Bromell were all smiles crossing the line. 

Bracy was a surprise third, closing well and holding off Rodgers, 9.98-10.00. Tyson Gay was fifth in 10.03, while young Christian Coleman was sixth in 10.06, rounding out the relay pool for the Olympic Games. 

Of note, reigning NCAA 100m champion Jarrion Lawson finished seventh in this event, a fantastic performance considering he had just earned a spot on Team USA in the long jump