With the Tokyo Olympics approaching quickly, Team USA has released its track and field lineup which contains a lot of new names that have made themselves known at the trials held at the Hayward Field Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
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While Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica may be a favorite for the 100m sprint, Team USA also has is fair shout in the event, sending a team of stars that could find their way to the podium.
Javianne Oliver leads the team, having registered 10.99 seconds at the trials, making it to what will be her first Olympics. The former University of Kentucky star will have her chance in Tokyo to win a spot on the podium.
Teahna Daniels comes next, having registered 11.03 seconds. She to will be heading to her first Olympic Games and aims to find a spot on the podium. The 24-year-old is known for her success in the indoor 60m races but is yet to try her luck in the 100m sprint.
First placed Sha’Carri Richardson will miss out on the Olympics
At the 200m finals in the trials, Oliver and Daniels actually placed second and third respectively. Sha’Carri Richardson placed first, running a staggering 10.86 seconds to qualify for Tokyo. However, things did not stay that way.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 19, 2021; Eugene, OR, USA; Sha’Carri Richardson (middle) celebrates after defeating Gabby Thomas (left) and Javianne Oliver to win the women’s 100m in 10.86 during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It was later discovered that she had failed the marijuana test conducted after the race. This resulted in USADA handing her a one-month suspension, ousting her from the 100m event entirely. Richardson was also expected to compete in the 4x100m relay and could have since the ban would expire before that event took place. Unfortunately, the USATF decided to exclude her from the list of athletes it would be sending to Tokyo. She was the biggest favorite to win gold in the face of Jamaican dominance in the event.
In her place, Jenna Prandini, who placed fourth, was called up to the team. Prandini registered a season’s best timing of 11.11 in the event and will be heading to her second Olympic Games. This is not the only event she will be taking part in, however, having also qualified for the 200m sprint. She placed second in the trials and will also try her luck there.
