US Olympic Track Trials- Distance Team Predictions

One year later than planned, the Olympic track trials are finally here.

As a runner who likes to follow professional running, other than the Olympics themselves, this meet is right up there as one of the most important and entertaining running events in the world.

The top runners in the US select their best event(s) and see if they can make the top 3 in the event (top 3 make the team to go to Tokyo, unless you don’t have the Olympic standard).

Favorites often make the team in their chosen race, but there are also plenty of surprises and the competition is fierce.

As I like to do with most sports, here are my predictions for who makes the team in the distance races (from 800m up to the 10k).

WOMEN

800m:

1. Ajee Wilson
2. Athing Mu
3. Kate Grace

Wilson and Mu are very likely to go 1-2, but either could win. Spot 3 is up for grabs!

1500m:

1. Ellie Purrier
2. Elise Cranny
3. Jenny Simpson

Shelby Houlihan would have almost certainly made this team, but she was recently banned in a controversial decision where she tested positive for a banned substance, which she claims came from meat that she ate at a burrito stand. I think she is clean and this is a very unfortunate event for US track and field. Purrier has a chance to medal at the games.

Steeplechase (3000m):

1. Emma Coburn
2. Courtney Frerichs
3. Leah Falland

Coburn and Frerichs will likely go 1-2, leaving that 3rd spot wide open in a very challenging event.

5k:

1. Elise Cranny
2. Karissa Schweizer
3. Rachel Schneider

Cranny has shown both strength and speed recently, making her a favorite to make multiple teams. Schweizer should be able to run up front with Cranny and separate from the pack. Schneider has a nasty kick that could get her the 3rd spot.

10k:

1. Emily Sisson
2. Alicia Monson
3. Sara Hall

Sisson has shown she is a beast. Cranny has shown both strength and speed recently, making her a favorite to make multiple teams. Ritzenheim trains Monson and he is super high on her chances. Many will doubt Sara Hall, but I think she’s going to be right there at the end of the race, using all the training tips from her husband, Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall.

MEN

800m:

1. Donovan Brazier
2. Bryce Hoppel
3. Isaiah Harris

Brazier and Hoppel should be ready to go 1-2, but the 800 is a tough event. There could be some surprises here.

1500m:

1. Matthew Centrowitz
2. Cole Hocker
3. Craig Engels

This may be the most exciting event of the meet due to the depth. The 3 I selected are fantastic runners, led by Olympic medalist Centro, but there is a chance none of them finish in the top 3.

Steeplechase:

1. Hillary Bor
2. Sean Mcgorty
3. Mason Ferlic

This will be a tough race that could also have some surprises. Jager is hurt, leaving things more open.

5k:

1. Paul Chelimo
2. Emmanuel Bor
3. Woody Kincaid

Chelimo is a stud, but he may be vulnerable. Cheering for Kincaid to grab that 3rd spot.

10k:

1. Grant Fisher
2. Ben True
3. Joe Klecker

The first distance final of the meet, starting tonight! I am pumped and cheering hard for 35 year-old Ben True and the youngin’ Klecker to make the squad.

These athletes have dedicated thousands of hours to their craft. Let’s hope they all compete well and the best runners win the day.