United States Olympic trials: McKenzie Long is among college stars to watch
The NCAA track and field championships just ended at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Now, some of the top collegiate athletes will return to the same site to compete for a spot on Team USA at the 2024 U.S. Olympic track and field trials, which begin Friday and run through June 30.
Collegiate athletes just endured a long NCAA season, but many have a chance to make noise at the Olympic trials. USA Today Sports lists four of those athletes who could place in the top three at the Olympic trials and earn a trip to Paris.
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Ole Miss sprinter McKenzie Long
Events: 100, 200
Long was named USATF Athlete of the Week following her standout performance at the 2024 NCAA track and field championships.
The Ole Miss senior won NCAA titles in the 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relay. Long is one of 15 women in NCAA Division I history to sweep the 100 and 200. In addition, she is one of just six to add on a win in the 4x100-meter relay.
Long enters the Olympic track and field trials with the second fastest time in the 200 (21.83) and she has the fifth fastest mark in the 100 (10.91).
In Friday's first round, Long won her heat in 10.94 seconds, which was third-fastest overall.
USC sprinter Johnnie Blockburger
Event: 400
Blockburger, the Pac-12 Men’s Athlete of the Year, won the 200 and 400 at the conference’s championship meet. The USC runner finished fourth in the 400 at the NCAA championships.
Blockburger’s personal-best time of 44.51 ranks 13th in the world this year and is the seventh top qualifying mark entering the trials.
Northern Arizona distance runner Nico Young
Events: 5,000, 10,000
Young has the second fastest entry in the 10,000 and third fastest in the 5,000 at the U.S. trials. Young’s 26:52.72 in the 10,000 is a collegiate record. The Northern Arizona distance runner won 2024 NCAA indoor titles in both the 3,000 and 5,000. He placed second in the 5,000 at this year’s outdoor championships.
Tennessee sprinter Jacious Sears
Events: 100, 200
Sears made our list before she withdrew from both her events on Friday, just hours before the opening round of the 100.
In April, Sears ran an impressive 10.77 in the 100, the second fastest time in NCAA history. Her 10.77 still stands as the fastest time in the world this year. However, Sears sustained an apparent injury in May. She declared for the 100 and 200 at the Olympic trials before withdrawing.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: United States Olympic trials: McKenzie Long college athlete to watch
