What to watch on Day 3 of the U.S. Track & Field Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field
Two years ago Cole Hocker stunned the field — and Rio Olympics gold medalist Matthew Centrowitz — with his kick to victory during the 2021 Olympic Trials.
The former Oregon great, who went on to finish sixth in Tokyo later that summer, is looking to regain his place among the top American middle-distance runners during the men’s 1,500-meter final at 6:45 p.m. Saturday on Day 3 of the U.S. Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Hayward Field.
Hocker won his qualifying heat Thursday in 3:39.23 and said he has plenty left for a big performance Saturday.
“Don’t feel like I wasted any extra energy today,” he said. “I finished strong but I don’t think that’s anywhere near where I’m at this year in finishing races.”
Hocker will be facing a loaded field in the final, led by Yared Nuguse, who is in the midst of his best season as a professional.
Nuguse, also an Olympic qualifier in 2021, has run 3:29.02 this season, which is second-fastest all-time outdoors by an American.
He also ran the fastest time in the semifinals with his heat win in 3:35.37.
Centrowitz is also back in the final, joining fellow former Ducks John Gregorek and Sam Prakel.
Other events to watch on Saturday
Men’s 200 first round, 4:43 p.m. — Fred Kerley, the reigning world champion in the 100, runs for the first time this week. Reigning 400 champ Michael Norman is also entered, as is Erriyon Knighton, Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek.
Women’s 200 first round, 5:09 p.m. — Abby Steiner is the reigning U.S. champion and Gabby Thomas won Olympic bronze in Tokyo. Former Duck Jenna Prandini is a two-time Olympian at this distance and was on the world championship team last season with Steiner and Tamara Clark.
Women’s shot put, 6:15 p.m. — Reigning world champion Chase Ealey returns to defend her U.S. title. Maggie Ewen has the best throw in the U.S. this season at 67-1¼. Oregon’s Jaida Ross is also entered.
Women’s 400 final, 6:19 p.m. — Depending on how Friday’s semifinals shook out, this could be a showdown between Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the greatest women’s 400 hurdler of all time, and Arkansas’ Britton Wilson, the U.S. leader this season at 49.13.
Women’s 1,500 final, 6:34 p.m. — Defending champ Sinclaire Johnson ran an easy 4:07.84 in the semifinals on Thursday. She’ll be challenged Saturday by veterans Cory McGee and Heather MacLean, as well as collegian Addy Wiley, who won her semifinal heat in 4:09.53. Athing Mu, the reigning Olympic and world champ in the 800, ran a PR 4:10.33 to qualify for the final.
Other finals on Saturday — Men’s pole vault, 5 p.m; men’s long jump, 5:40 p.m.; men’s javelin, 5:50 p.m.; men’s 400, 6:26 p.m.; women’s 3,000 steeplechase, 7:25 p.m.; men’s 3,000 steeplechase, 7:40 p.m.; women’s 100 hurdles, 7:55 p.m.
Follow Chris Hansen on Twitter @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com. For more sports coverage, visit registerguard.com. Want more stories like this? Subscribe to get unlimited access and support local journalism.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: What to watch Saturday at the USATF Outdoor Championships
