The US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, delivered a mix of expected and unexpected results on Monday. The highlight of the day was the men’s 400m, where Quincy Hall pulled off a stunning upset, chasing down 2022 world champion Michael Norman after the final turn to win in 44.17. Norman, who went out too quickly, paid the price for his aggressive start, losing steam down the home stretch and finishing second in 44.41. “I know I can run a lot faster than what I did today. Just a poorly executed race,” Norman admitted to reporters. “Kind of got a little too excited during the moment so I paid for it at the end.”
Meanwhile, Athing Mu, the reigning world champion and hot favorite in the women’s 800m, suffered a shocking setback. The 2022 world champion tripped around the 200-meter mark and, despite bravely continuing, had no chance of catching up to the field. Nia Akins (1:57.36) took the victory, with Allie Wilson (1:58.32) and Juliette Whittaker (1:58.45) also securing their spots in Paris. The crowd at Hayward Field was stunned by Mu’s unexpected downfall.
In other highlights, Grant Holloway sent a message to his rivals in the 110m hurdles, winning his heat in a world-leading 12.92. The three-time world champion, who took silver in Tokyo, made it clear he would accept nothing less than gold in Paris. “I just wanted to put pressure on the field, let everybody know that I’m still on top,” he declared to reporters. Anna Hall capped off a dominant heptathlon performance with a superb 2:04.39 in the 800m, collapsing to the track in celebration as Jackie Joyner-Kersee watched from the stands. Hall, the world championships silver and bronze medalist, will now aim for Olympic gold in Paris alongside Chari Hawkins and Taliyah Brooks.
Cole Hocker secured his spot in the men’s 1,500m, winning the race in 3:30.59. He will be joined in Paris by Yared Nuguse (3:30.86) and Hobbs Kessler (3:31.53). In the women’s 5,000m, Elle St. Pierre edged out Elise Cranny down the home stretch to win in a meet record 14:40.34, with Karissa Schweizer finishing third.
The US Olympic Trials will continue on Thursday, with 100-metre winners Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson set to compete in the opening heats of the men’s and women’s 200m.
