Charleston’s razor-thin victory and Richardson’s powerful second half are highlights of the 2023 USATF Championships.
At the 2023 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, athletes raced, jumped, and threw in an unparalleled display of talent and power, affirming their reputation as the cream of the crop in track and field.
In the men’s 100m, Cravont Charleston stunned spectators by securing his first national title with a razor-thin .01-second victory. He completed the race in 9.95 seconds. Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion, maintained the lead until the 80m mark, when Charleston caught up and outpaced him for the win. Noah Lyles, the World 200m champion, claimed third place with a 10.00-second performance, setting the stage for his potential sprint double in Budapest. This win marks Charleston’s fourth legal sub-10 second race, debunking any doubts about his 2023 season.
Conversely, in the women’s 100m, Sha’Carri Richardson took home her first U.S. title in 10.82 seconds. Even though her start was not as strong as her prior rounds, Richardson managed to overtake Tamari Davis in the second half of the race. Brittany Brown, the 2019 World Championships 200m silver medalist, achieved a lifetime best time of 10.90 seconds, securing silver.
In the women’s heptathlon, Anna Hall successfully defended her USATF title with a score of 6,677 points, a lead of over 300 points over Taliyah Brooks. On the men’s side, a personal best in the javelin led Harrison Williams to a lifetime best of 8,630 points and gold in the decathlon.
Donald Scott, another standout, defended his USATF men’s triple jump title with a 17.22m leap in round four. In the high jump, Vashti Cunningham secured her sixth straight U.S. outdoor title, clearing 1.91m in less than an hour.
In the first semifinal of the men’s 800m, reigning champion Bryce Hoppel claimed victory in 1:45.26, followed closely by Clayton Murphy, the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist.
Nia Akins and Michaela Rose triumphed in the women’s 800m semifinal heats in contrasting styles. Akins clinched her semi in 2:00.02, while Rose led throughout to win her semi in 2:00.39.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the fastest women’s 400m hurdler of all time, led the qualifiers for the final in the first semifinal of the women’s 400m. She outpaced her competitors with a 49.60-second run.
Finally, former world record holder, Olympic gold medalist, and world champion Dalilah Muhammad won heat two of the women’s 400m hurdles in 54.56, demonstrating her season-best performance.
As these athletes ran, jumped, and threw their way to victory at the USATF Outdoor Championships, their sheer skill and determination came into full view. Their performances have solidified their standings as some of the world’s best athletes, and spectators across the globe eagerly anticipate their future endeavors in the track and field arena.
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