Lyles, Richardson scratch from 100m at US trials
World Champions Skip 100m Finals at US Track and Field Championships
Eugene, Oregon: Reigning world champions Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson have opted to withdraw from the final rounds of the 100m at the US Track and Field Championships in Eugene. Both athletes already secured their spots for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after winning gold in Budapest earlier this year.
Lyles Focuses on 200m, Richardson Calls it a Season
Lyles, who holds Olympic gold in the 100m, decided to skip the semi-finals scheduled for Friday and will now concentrate on the 200m starting Sunday. Richardson, on the other hand, has chosen to withdraw from the entire US trials campaign after clocking 11.07 seconds in her 100m heat on Thursday.
Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas also decided to withdraw from Friday's 100m finals and will shift her focus to the 200m starting Sunday.
Lyles Prioritizes Competition
Lyles clocked 10.05 seconds in the first round on Thursday, the fifth fastest qualifying time. He explained his decision, stating: "I need races -- everybody knows I started the season late due to injury. I just need as many races as possible. After the 100 in London, me and my coach were like 'We might as well (race at trials)'. It's a free race, it's good competition."
Richardson: Cruising Under the Radar
Richardson expressed satisfaction with her 100m performance, highlighting the pressure release of already securing qualification for the World Championships. "USA is one of the hardest teams to make, so it definitely is a kind of a release of pressure knowing I have a bye," she told AFP. "It feels really good to not have that pressure and still be able to go to Tokyo. Right now I'm cruising under the radar, but when it's time to hit -- it's gonna be a bang where y'all see my name," she added.