2026 is the first year since 2021 that we do not have a World Championships or Olympic Games. We do have the European Championships (August) and the Commonwealth Games (reduced schedule, next week).
Some Observations:
- Many elite athletes, from Anna Hall to Ryan Crouser, are not competing in the US Champs. Ryan Crouser just announced that he is getting surgery, and Anna Hall will be giving her body a break from the multi-event wars. Rai Benjamin pulled out of the 400 meters.
- This is a perfect meet for new athletes and athletes who have not won US championships; watch for some surprises. Without a World Championships for US athletes, the US Championships are a focus for many young collegians and fledgling elite athletes.
- While USATF is announcing a sold-out venue for the last two days of the championships, we will have to see. What we do know is that, per many #keenobservers, there was little promotion of the US championships. It is one of the weak points of USATF; we hope that this can be corrected. RBR, for transparency, suggested that USATF promote team offers to coaches in junior highs, high schools, and colleges (we have such email lists), but to little response.
- Peacock coverage and NBC coverage of US champs much better in 2026! RBR watched the Para coverage on July 23 and all coverage on July 24. Enjoying Paul Swangard and Trey Hardee, plus two Para experts. Peacock did a nice job of making the Para events more accessible to sports fans.
- The USATF Press Conference was pretty good, but that was due to Jay Holder and Paul Swangard. RBR watched the live stream, and the coverage was well done. USATF had a tough job, adding in Para athletes and a few elites. This was not the Pre-Presser, but it was pretty darn good.
- Swoosh TC and Brooks Beasts TC are on signing sprees! We have been seeing announcements from both clubs of new athletes, with Juliette Whitakker signed by Brooks Beasts TC. Mikeala Page just joined Swoosh TC! HOKA also announced that they were picking up several athletes; watch for our post (HOKA sent us photos). We are asking for photos of Swoosh and Brooks Beasts. Nice job on IG from Swoosh on their new athletes! Loved the club media kit from Brooks Beasts on who was racing at the US Championships!
