During the 2024 Paris Olympic games, track and field events were held Thursday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 11. Track and field remains as the largest event in the Olympics, containing 48 specializing in events varying from sprints, marathons, jumps, as well as a combination of them all. After assorted results in the Tokyo Games in 2020, the U.S. owned a combined total of 34 medals (14 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze), the most in track and field since the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.
For the women’s side, 24-year-old Sha ‘Carri Richardson from, also known as the “fastest women in the world,” qualified for the women’s 100-meter sprint and just missed qualifying for the 200-meter sprint after she came in fourth. In the women’s 100-meter sprint, Richardson ended up placing second, right behind Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who came in at a striking time of 10.72, setting a national record to win gold. While many Americans were shocked and even disappointed with the outcome, many are heart-struck by Alfreds reaction to bringing home Saint Lucia’s first ever medal in any event. Long distance track athlete, sophomore Mary-Harms Mulkey said, “I’m sad that Sha ‘Carri didn’t win gold, but I’m glad that Julien Alfred won for Saint Lucia; it was heartwarming.”
On the men’s side of things, 26-year-old Noah Lyles, American sprinter who usually stars in the men’s 200-meter dash recently posed a great threat to other countries in the 100-meter dash. In a tight race with Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson for gold, the 100m race disclosed Lyles as the winner by five thousandths of a second, giving him a gold medal to bring home. Unfortunately, just a few days before his upcoming 200-meter race, he tested positive for Covid. In a recent interview with the Olympics, Lyles said that he understood the process would be long and enduring, but he was more than capable. After earning bronze and being taken away on a wheelchair, he tells everyone that despite
not getting gold like what had been predicted, he said “This may be my favourite medal that I have so far.” See more of Lyles thoughts and reactions post Olympics here.
Unfortunately, the men’s 4x100m relay was not as successful. Team USA ended up being disqualified after crossing the finish line, coming in at 7 place. The baton exchange between Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek was late, so late the baton was illegally passed outside of the handoff zone earning disqualification for the two men, with the addition of Kyree King and Fred Kerley. Despite Team USA winning this event 15 times, past incorrect baton exchanges have been frequent. 11 batons had been dropped in the past, leading to bans and disqualifications in the Olympics since 1995. Sophomore student Austin Brown said, “I’m excited to watch the next Olympics in 2028 and hopefully team USA continues to win.”
Now with the Olympics over, track and field remain one of the most popular events. The Olympics truly highlights athletes’ dedication to their sport, some preparing for years. The next Olympics are held in 2028, Los Angeles and athletes have already began to prepare.
