Trackstaa looks ahead to the USATF Golden Games and Distance Open, arguably the biggest meet in track and field so far this year.
With less than 100 days to go until the Olympic Games in Tokyo and with only a month to go before the U.S Olympic Trials, Sunday’s USATF Golden Games and Distance Open promises to be the biggest, deepest and most impressive field to line up in any event this year.
Frankly, there are potential Tokyo medallists in nearly every race and the meet is full of world-renowned stars of track and field, including, on the men’s side, Noah Lyles, Keni Harrison, 400m sensation Michael Norman, Craig Engels, Sam Parsons of Tinman Elite and arguably the favourite for 800m gold in the Olympics this year, Donavan Brazier. Who will be racing Bryce Hoppel, which always brings hype when they both step on the track at the same time.
Many people’s attention is likely to be drawn to Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver, DK Metcalf, who is confirmed as competing in the 100m. He’s undoubtedly one of the fastest players in the NFL, but against professional sprinters, no knowledge observers are expecting any surprises. Anywhere around 10.3 is a fantastic run for him.
On the women’s side, 8-time Olympic medallist, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Allyson Felix, and Shaunae-Miller Uibo are just 3 of the world stars competing.
Excitingly for British fans there is also a strong British contingent, in-form Josh Kerr of the Brooks Beasts runs in the 800m, alongside Guy Learmonth and Kyle Langford. Ellie Baker, fresh of the disappointment of finishing 4th in the European Indoors, runs in the 800m against compatriots Jemma Reekie, Adelle Tracey and Laura Muir. Holly Archer and Eilish McColgan run in the 1500m whilst Jess Judd and British Olympic marathon team selectee Steph Twell run in the 5000m.
Every single race looks set to be exciting, with most eyes likely to be drawn to the 800m and 1500m events in both men and women rosters with some of the most exciting match-ups in track and field. The men’s 1500m, for example, is a who’s who of the biggest names in the sport: Moh Ahmed, Craig Engels, Johnny Gregorek, Nick Willis, Justyn Knight, Ollie Hoare and, amongst others, Eric Avila.
If this doesn’t add fire to your appetite for a summer of athletics action, nothing will.
Full start lists
You can read the full start lists here.
When is it on?
The meet runs all day on Sunday 9th May from 11:00am – 8:30pm local time (7:30pm start in the UK time), live from Walnut, California.
How can I watch?
You can find the full viewing schedule here. The main broadcasts will come in a mix of online coverage via USATF.TV and NBC sports. Anyone wishing to watch via USATF.TV will require a RunnerSpace +PLUS subscription.