by Alfonz Juck
Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, photo by PhotoRun.net
ALBUQUERQUE (USA, Feb 16-18): After dominating the last World Indoor Championships with 23 medals, the US challenge for 2018 will be assessed at the US indoor trials where the first two will gain automatic selection subject to qualifying standards. Christian Coleman, new all-time best holder in the 60m, goes in the short sprint, while in the 60m hurdles Keni Harrison may be looking to add a world indoor mark (currently at 7.68) to her outdoor equivalent, having clocked 7.72 this season. The latter faces tough opposition in the shape of Christina Manning (7.77 this season) and Sharika Nelvis (7.80). Brittney Reese, the world champion indoors and outdoors, continues her pursuit of a ninth global title in the long jump. The men’s pole vault has world outdoor champion Sam Kendricks, while the women’s field sees world No.1 Sandi Morris take on the woman who beat her to 2016 world indoor gold Jenn Suhr. Other world indoor champions in action are Vashti Cunningham (high jump) and Marquis Dendy (long jump). World outdoor 100m champion Tori Bowie steps down to the 60m, while London 2017 steeplechase winner Emma Coburn goes in the 3000m flat. Also missing her usual barriers is Georganne Moline. Ryan Hill, 2016 world indoor silver medallist, competes over 1500m. Top two will qualify of course if they have the standard. And realistic chances for one of the girls Manning or Nelvis to win the World Indoor Tour which would make it for US 3 participants in Birmingham.
