EUGENE, Ore. — In perfect weather on the campus of the University of Oregon, U.S. athletes have sent a message to competitors eyeing a track and field medal haul at the Summer Games: We’re rounding into form — and just in time for Rio.
Yes, during Olympic years performances don't always soar early in the season because athletes aim to peak at the Games. Still, just during Sunday’s trials, U.S. sprinters, jumpers and decathletes set worldwide season highs in their respective disciplines.
One sprinter even set two new high-water marks: Justin Gatlin ran a 9.83 in the men’s 100 meters during semifinals and then a 9.80 in the final, securing a spot in the Rio Games and bettering the previous high of 9.86 held by France’s Jimmy Vicaut.
Gatlin was joined by a slew of fellow U.S. athletes rounding into form little more than one month away from the opening ceremonies of the Rio Games.
Two-time Olympic medalist LaShawn Merritt ran a world-best 43.97 in the men’s 400, propelling him into the field after a disappointing London Games; Merritt hurt his hamstring two weeks before the Games, leading to an early exit in the 400.
There’s more: Jarrion Lawson (28 feet, 1 3/4 inches) set a new worldwide season best in the men’s long jump (his mark was wind legal, even though he finished second to Jeffery Henderson's 28 feet, 2 1/4 inches, which was wind-aided); Allyson Felix (49.68 seconds) in the women’s 400; and Chaunté Lowe (6-7) in the women’s high jump.
“To be honest with you, I’ve taken a completely different approach this year,” Lowe said. “I wanted to come out here and do my personal best.”
On Saturday, Brittney Reese (23-11 3/4 inches) set the pace in the women’s long jump.
Reigning gold medalist Ashton Eaton, one of America’s strongest medal contenders, posted the world’s best score in the decathlon with 8,750 points despite a sluggish start during the opening events held on Saturday.
“My fitness is coming back a little bit,” said Eaton, who is recovering from a lingering quad injury and a tight hamstring.
It’s about rising to the occasion, Gatlin said, adding, “I want to carry that for the next 30 days.”
