The U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field saw intense competition in the 200-meter races on June 30, 2024. In the women's final, Gabby Thomas emerged victorious with a time of 21.81 seconds, just edging out Sha'Carri Richardson who finished fourth in a time of 22.16 seconds (Long qualified for Paris earlier in the day). Thomas had already secured her spot in the Olympics by winning the 100-meter race during the opening weekend of Trials. In the men's final, Noah Lyles broke his own trials record with a blistering time of 19.53 seconds to qualify for Paris in both the 100 and 200 meters.
Thomas, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in the 200 and upgraded to silver at last year's world championships, chose not to run the 400 during Trials to ensure her legs were fresh for her signature race. Long finished second with a time of 19.67 seconds and Brown took third place with a time of 19.82 seconds.
Richardson, who was disqualified from the Tokyo team after failing a drug test but will make her debut this year in the 200-meter race, expressed disappointment at not qualifying for Paris in both events. However, she remains optimistic about her chances of winning gold in Paris.
In the men's final, Lyles was pushed by Kenny Bednarek who finished second with a time of 19.59 seconds and Erriyon Knighton who took third place with a time of 19.77 seconds.
Long qualified for Paris after her mother's death earlier this year, saying 'Mom, your baby girl is going to Paris'. Long has run in memory of her mother ever since.
Thomas and Richardson both qualified for the Tokyo 2020 team but Richardson will make her highly anticipated debut this year. Thomas finished first in the women's 100-meter final with a time of 10.78 seconds, while Lyles won the men's title in a time of 9.86 seconds.
The U.S. Olympic Team Trials for track and field took place at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon from June 19 to July 3, 2024.
