The quest for Paris glory begins this weekend as the crème de la crème of American track and field descend upon Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, for the 2024 US Olympic Trials. All eyes will be on reigning world champions Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson, who headline a star-studded cast vying for a coveted spot on Team USA.

Lyles, the undisputed king of the men’s 100m, enters the trials with a target on his back. Fresh off his dominant performance at the World Championships, where he swept the 100m and 200m and anchored the winning 4x100m relay, Lyles is a favorite to secure his first Olympic berth. However, the road to Paris will be a smooth walk. He faces stiff competition from a stacked field, including 2019 world champion Christian Coleman, the ever-reliable Fred Kerley (reigning Olympic silver medalist and 2022 world champion), and rising star Kenneth Bednarek (200m Olympic and world medalist). Don’t forget Cravont Charleston, the surprise national champion from last year, who will be eager to prove it wasn’t a fluke. This race promises to be a battle royale, with only the fastest three securing their tickets to Paris.

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On the women’s side, Sha’Carri Richardson is the undisputed star attraction. The reigning 100m world champion is known for her explosive speed and electrifying personality. After a breakout 2023 season that saw her add the 100m and 4x100m relay gold medals to her 200m bronze from the World Championships, Richardson is on a mission to cement her status as America’s next track icon. However, the road to Paris will be challenging for her too. A deep field of talented sprinters, including veterans like Jenna Prandini and rising stars like TeeTee Terry and Anavia Battle, will be gunning for a spot on the Olympic team.

Beyond the marquee events, the trials will showcase an array of athletic excellence. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning world record holder and Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles, looks to secure her spot in Paris and defend her title. The men’s high jump promises to be a nail-biter, with multiple athletes trying to clear the bar leading to Paris. The distance races will see a new generation challenge established veterans with fresh faces aiming to make their Olympic debut.

The US Olympic Trials are more than just a competition; they’re a crucible that forges national pride and ignites Olympic dreams. The athletes who emerge victorious will carry the hopes and aspirations of a nation on their shoulders as they take center stage in Paris. With a captivating mix of established stars and hungry challengers, the Eugene trials promise to be a spectacle of athletic brilliance, setting the stage for an unforgettable Olympic Games.

This weekend, Hayward Field will witness the birth of American Olympic heroes. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their names in athletics history? Tune in to find out!