Christian Coleman won the men’s 100m while Allyson Felix is slowly making progress at the 2019 Toyota USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.
Coleman ran a below-par 9.99 seconds to win his first US national title. He beat Michael Rodgers, 10.12 and Christopher Belcher, who got the same time for third place.
“I’m excited to get that first national title under my belt,” said Coleman, who ran 9.96 in the semi-finals. “Hopefully, there’s many more in the future.,” said Coleman.
Justin Gatlin, who has a bye into the Doha 2019 World Championships as the defending champion, skipped the final with running 10.16 in the semis.
Sha’Carri Richardson, who went pro this year after running 10.75 to win the NCAA, flopped with 11.72 for eighth in the women’s 100m final.
Teahna Daniels won the event in 11.20 ahead of English Gardner, 11.25 and Morolake Akinosun, 11.28.
Tori Bowie, who has a wild card as the defending champion, will compete in the women’s 200m and long jump events.
Meanwhile, Felix, who gave birth last November, improved in her second race in over a year from 52.20 to 51.45 for a place in the final.
“Just because I haven’t raced in so long, I’m just trying to use the rounds to feel myself, like where I’m at, work out some kinks,” Felix said.
Shakima Winbley led the way with 50.20.
Phyllis Francis, who is the defending champion with a bye, will only contest the women’s 200m.
Michael Norman, 44.04 and Fred Kerley, 44.09 dominated their semi-finals and are gearing up for a showdown in the men’s 400m.
Antiguan-born Rai Benjamin led the way in the men’s 400m hurdles semi-finals with 48.30.
Brianna MnNeal, 12.75, Christina Clemons, 12.77, Queen Quedith Claye, 12.79, Keni Harrison, 12.91 and Nia Ali, 12.92 are the top five women’s 100m hurdlers.
Donald Scott, 17.74m beat Will Claye, 17.70m in the men’s triple jump while Ryan Crouser put the men’s shot 22.62 metres for the victory.
