The women’s events on Saturday gave us some idea of what we could see in Eugene at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, which will be held at the new Hayward Field, June 18-27, 2021.
The following are my deep thoughts on Day 2 at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Women’s 1,500m, May 30, 2021, Portland Track Festival, photo by How Lao Photography
1. The women’s 800m in Portland was highly competitive, what does it say about Eugene?
Doha WC silver medalist Raevyn Rogers was sixth in 1:59.72, which tells you, that the 800m is in one of those shake-ups.
Sabrina Southerland, Nike Oregon TC was second to Gabrielle Stafford, 1:58.70 to 1:58.82. Kate Grace followed, in 1:59.02, with Chanelle Price at 1:59.12 to Cory McGee’s 1:59.17.
A tough crew going to Eugene, but we have not counted Ajee’ Wilson, Athing Mu and others!
Eugene will have some surprises here, and third is completely open.
2. The women’s 1,500m shows Elise Cranny and Dani Jones…
Elise Cranny and Dani Jones, battled down to the finish in the 1,500m, neither giving up, with Cranny taking it in 4:02.62 and Jones in 4:04.26.
Some big rounds coming in Eugene, and there will be surprises. But you have the big two, Shelby Houlihan and Jenny Simpson.
The women’s 1,500m is now a global race. Faith Kiypegon, Genzebe Dibaba, Laura Muir among others, and the Americans, Simpson, and Houlihan.
Do not discount Jenny Simpson as she finds a way to battle for a medal.
3. Can Rachel Schneider make the 10,000m team?
Rachel Schneider ran a huge 10,000m PB last December with her 31:09.79 on December 5, 2020 at the Sound Running event, #The10k. On May 15, 2021, at the Sound Running ‘The Track Meet’, Rachel ran 14:52.04 in the 5,000m. And then, on May 30, 2021, Rachel ran 4:04.60 at 1,500m, just a bit off her 4:02.26 PB from Monaco in 2019!
Scheider has doubled at 1,500m and 5000m with some success at US Champs. We shall see her at the US Olympic Trials, the question is, with what double? I think she has the wheels to stay with all in the 5000m and 10,000m.
Two weeks to go!
4. Just another note: Courtney Frerichs is strong!
On Friday night, when Courtney Frerichs won the steeplechase, my gosh, was she took off, it was like super sonic flight versus a primitive Wright brothers type plane. She was gone, and it was 9:21.13, and almost five seconds on the competition.
On Saturday, when, Courtney took off, she had a good lead until 4000m, going sub 15 minute pace for the tempo run. Note that Courtney, who holds the AR for 3000m steeplechase at 9:00.85, has run 14:50.06 for 5000m in 2020.
The steeple in Eugene will be a battle between Emma Coburn and Courtney Frerichs, and it will be fast. Third place will be taken, in the last meters, by someone who keeps their cool, red lines the whole race and wants it most at the end. Meaning that five or six women will be fighting for the coveted third position.
The women’s 5000m, heat 1, May 30, 2021, Portland Track Festival, photo by How Lao Photography
5. The women’s 5000m will be tough in Eugene and Tokyo…
Jessica Hull was followed by two Canadians in Portland. Karissa Schweizer ran 15:00.44, and she has been on my US team shortlist, with Shelby Houlihan and Emily Sisson. Unlike 2020, the Bowerman woman have been keeping it low key and they do not want to give away too much.
In Eugene, the women’s 5000m will be tough. A long last 1000 meters pushing the pace, and depending on Shelby Houlihan’s fitness, Jenny Simpson’s desire, Emily Sisson and Rachel Schneider could be dangerous.
I can tell you this. The Portland 5000m, showed just how good US women at 5000m are, and Eugene, they have to perform or they will not fulfill their Olympic dreams.
Portland Track Festival gave these athletes the chance to deliver.
