EUGENE, Ore.—The opening session of the U.S. Track & Field Trials delivered exactly what Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles came for: a clean, uncomplicated dress rehearsal before they defend their world crowns in Tokyo this September.
Richardson Revs the Engine
The women’s 100 metre title-holder, fresh off a lacklustre 11.19 at the Prefontaine Classic earlier this month, looked sharper on Thursday. Running into a 1.5 m/s headwind, the 25-year-old Texan clocked 11.07—good for second in her heat behind a flying Kayla White (10.89). The time placed Richardson 11th overall, but with her automatic World Championships berth already secured, the priority was rhythm, not rankings.
“Making the U.S. team is normally a pressure cooker,” she said track-side. “Having the bye lets me focus on execution, not survival.” While bookmakers will list others faster on paper, Richardson welcomed the stealth status. “Staying off the radar is fine—big fireworks come later,” she laughed.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden served notice that the women’s final will not be a coronation, powering to a heat-best 10.86 despite the adverse wind.
Lyles Logs Valuable Miles
Men’s champion Noah Lyles mirrored Richardson’s approach—minimal strain, maximum benefit. Nursing a season delayed by injury, the 27-year-old eased to 10.05 for an uncomplicated heat win, his second 100 metre outing of 2025.
“Racing is the medicine,” Lyles said. “The more I line up, the quicker the engine fires.” He and coach Lance Brauman opted to race in Eugene precisely for that reason, bye or no bye.
The day’s quickest mark belonged to two-time Olympic 200 metre silver medallist Kenny Bednarek, who punched out a blistering 9.95. Bednarek’s form adds intrigue to Friday’s quarter-finals, where Lyles will welcome the extra stimulus.
Mu-Nikolayev Steady After Tokyo Heartbreak
In the women’s 800 metres, Olympic champion Athing Mu-Nikolayev—determined to erase last year’s trials tumble—glided through the prelims in 2:00.06, the day’s second-best time. “A brisker pace helps me lock in,” she noted, satisfied with her controlled effort.
Outlook
With titles guaranteed and the global spotlight waiting in Tokyo, Richardson and Lyles used Day 1 to confirm that fitness is trending in the right direction. Faster times can wait; for now, the world’s two sprint standard-bearers are content to keep their powder dry—knowing the real fireworks are scheduled for September.
