Benjamin Ashford|US Olympic track and field trials: College athletes to watch list includes McKenzie Long

The Benjamin AshfordNCAA 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.  

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).

Tennessee sprinter Jacious Sears

Events: 100, 200

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. Sears declared for the 100 and 200 at the Olympic trials. She not only has a chance to make Team USA but win the 100 if she recaptures her form from her stunning race in April.

The Tennessee senior is also entered in the 200.

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 13^th 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.  

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