Fierce & Fast 💨
The U.S. Olympic Track & Field trials are here, and it’s time to find out who will run, jump, and throw their way to the Paris Olympics. With athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson, Raven Saunders, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set to compete, these trials will be must-see tv. We passed the baton to Olympian Alysia Montaño to help get you up to speed on the week ahead in Tracktown USA.
How to Watch
June 21-30, 2024
📍Eugene, OR
⚡Tune in on NBC, USA, and Peacock
Q&A w/ an Olympic Bronze Medalist 💭
TOGETHXR: Describe the environment of the Olympic Trials from the perspective of an Olympic hopeful. What are they like?
ALYSIA: Going into the trials hoping to make the Olympic Team is a wildly electrifying experience that is only a fraction of what is experienced at the Olympics. It feels like all of the eyes of the country are on you and that anything good and not so great is amplified. That may be true to some degree, but you can’t let those emotions take more energy than the actual performance you’re capable of. The way I’d always frame it for myself is I already recorded everything I needed in practice, now all I have to do is hit play. Find things that keep you grounded and confident in your capabilities, and find your stress deterrent, whether it be music, meditation, or a show before the big show. Dial that in, take it in, reign it in, and let the show begin.
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TOGETHXR: Which event do you think will be the most exciting and why?
ALYSIA: I’d say look out for the Dalilah Muhammad and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone rivalry. The duo went back and forth on the 400m world record in 2021, where Sydney ultimately lowered the world record to a sub-51 — the first ever by a female athlete! She also grabbed the 400m hurdles gold medal over Muhammad, the reigning champion. Both Muhammad and McLaughlin sustained injuries last year and weren’t at their best during the World Championships this year, so it will be interesting to see where they are this year.
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TOGETHXR: Which female athlete has the most interesting storyline or backstory coming into qualifiers?
ALYSIA: The women’s side is about to be THE main event. There are so many interesting stories in every event and that’s what makes it so magical, exhilarating, and heartbreaking. That’s why you’ll have to tune into the action and start following along if you haven’t already!
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TOGETHXR: What's one prediction you have for Team USA in Paris?
ALYSIA: Team USA is going to come away with the highest medal count at the Paris Olympics — I said it here first!
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TOGETHXR: What are your thoughts on the surging popularity of women's sports? ㅤ
ALYSIA: We gonna make it do what it do baby, and that’s on PERIODT.
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