U.S. Trials: Gabby Thomas wins 200m semi in world lead time, determined for new best in final - 'This is my year'
Brace yourself for Saturday’s (29 June) women's 200m final.
If Friday’s (28 June) semi-final is any indication, it could be the race not only of the day - but of these U.S. Olympic Team Trials - track & field.
A blazing fast Sha’Carri Richardson made her mark first in the semi-final, matching her personal-best time of 21.92 in the first heat.
But it was Gabby Thomas, the Tokyo bronze medallist, who answered back with a 21.78 in the third and final heat—a world lead time to advance into the finals as the fastest competitor.
While Richardson has already sealed her spot at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the 100m, Thomas scratched from the 400m earlier in the week to stay laser-focused on the 200m. And it's a move that has paid off.
"I was really happy with that [semi-final]; that felt like a very smooth and easy run for me and I didn't really know what to expect," said Thomas. "So, to see that kind of time, something that felt so nice and controlled... is a good feeling."
Is Thomas here to make a statement? Absolutely, she said.
"This is my year. So, if I make the [Olympic] team, I want to come out with another world lead, another PB, and just show everyone that I'm ready to compete."
Thomas clocked a 21.60 last year at this same Hayward Field venue in Eugene, Oregon, at the U.S. Championships to book her spot on Team USA for Worlds.
Reigning collegiate 200m winner Mackenzie Long qualified with the third-fastest time, winning heat two with a 22.01. Abby Steiner hit a personal best of 22.03, followed by Brittany Brown (22.08), Tamari Davis (22.10), Tamara Clark (22.12), Jenna Prandini (22.62 SB) and University of Oregon's Jadyn Mays (22.33) all heading into finals.
You can see a full list of qualifiers here.
Gabby Thomas: 'I feel like I should expect to make the team'
That 21.60 isn't unattainable, said the Austin-based Thomas, who is also the reigning world silver medallist in the 200m. That decision to scratch the 400m wasn't easy, she added, but it has also made her hungry after sitting on the sidelines for the first half of Trials.
"Sitting out the first half trials took a lot of discipline and patience so that I can run a really good 200," Thomas said. "I have that going for me. I wouldn't be surprised to see a PB [in the final], but I don't know. You never know what to expect in these kind of races. I just want to win."
It won't be just Gabby vs. Sha'Carri in the final, with Long, who was a triple crown winner here a few weeks ago for Mississippi State (the 100, 200 and 4x100m relay) just off the 22-second mark. All nine finallists were sub-22.5.
Richardson's training mate Twanisha Terry, who qualified with her in the 100m last Saturday (22 June), was knocked out in the semis, placing fourth in the first semi.
Said Thomas about her decision to only focus in on the 200: "It was a big consideration," she said of trying to do both events. "A lot went into that decision to scratch [the 400]. It was really, really hard for me to watch those 400s while I was in Eugene. I was just training through it. But I think ultimately it was the right decision."
Thomas said she would keep one eye on Jamaican nationals, where Shericka Jackson captured the 100m title on Friday night. Jackson is the reigning world champ in the 200m, having beaten Thomas and Richardson in Budapest last August.
"I'm definitely keeping tabs on that, but also try to stay focused on what I'm doing here," she said. "I think I'm in a special place this year where I feel like I should expect to make the [Olympic] team.
"And I should expect to continue to peak at the Paris Olympics, as well," Thomas added. "So a little bit of a different mindset. But yeah, I'm paying attention."