The prestigious USATF Outdoor Championships opened on July 31, 2025, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. This four-day meet serves as the official selection trials for Team USA ahead of the World Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21. Athletes must finish in the top three of their respective events and meet the qualifying standard—or be within the global ranking quota—to earn a place on the U.S. team.
Day one of the competition launched with anticipation and featured appearances from some of the nation’s top track and field stars. Olympic and world champions such as Sha’Carri Richardson, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Noah Lyles all stepped onto the track to compete for national titles, prize money, and the opportunity to represent the United States at the global level. While Lyles and Richardson had already secured their spots for Tokyo by virtue of their 2023 World Championship victories, they raced in Eugene to test their current form and chase additional U.S. titles.
In the men’s 800 meters, Bryce Hoppel, a two-time Olympian and American record-holder, won his heat in 1:45.69—the fastest time of the round. Hoppel advanced to Friday’s semifinal with strong momentum and is aiming for his fourth consecutive national title. He faces stiff competition from up-and-comers like Josh Hoey, Brandon Miller, and Donavan Brazier in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields at the meet.
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone attracted significant attention by opting to compete in the 400-meter flat event rather than her usual 400-meter hurdles, where she has dominated in recent years. Having clocked a personal best of 48.74 in 2023 and a 49.43 earlier this season at Hayward Field, McLaughlin-Levrone is a top contender in this new focus area as she seeks a world title in a different discipline.
In the men’s 100 meters, Noah Lyles advanced easily through the heats with a time of 10.05 seconds before withdrawing from the semifinals to focus on his preferred 200-meter event. Kenny Bednarek emerged as the only male sprinter to dip below 10 seconds in the prelims, posting a 9.95 to lead the field. On the women’s side, Sha’Carri Richardson clocked 11.07 in the 100-meter prelims—her season’s best—and expressed confidence in her preparation and health heading into the final rounds.
A major development at this year’s championships is the integration of the USATF Para National Championships alongside the senior elite competition for the first time. This inclusive format allows both able-bodied and para-athletes to compete at Hayward Field during the same event window. Athletes like Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall are part of this landmark moment, bringing additional attention to inclusive excellence in American track and field.
The championships continue through the weekend with finals in all sprint, distance, and field events. On the opening day, fans witnessed the beginning of the heptathlon, decathlon, 10,000 meters, and women’s long jump competitions, all of which will conclude before Sunday’s closing ceremony. With each passing event, the roster for Team USA takes shape, adding new names and veterans to what is expected to be one of the world’s strongest teams in Tokyo.
Hayward Field, revered as one of the premier venues for track and field in the United States, once again plays host to high-stakes competition. With national pride, individual legacies, and world championship dreams on the line, the USATF Outdoor Championships have drawn intense interest from spectators and fans nationwide.
As the trials progress, performances over the coming days will determine which athletes earn the right to represent the United States on the world stage. For many, these championships are the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. In Eugene, dreams are being realized and champions are being forged.
