Since the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, one country has dominated the rest of the world in track and field: the United States.
The Americans’ whopping 828 Olympic medals in track and field are nearly four times as many as the next-closest country — Great Britain’s 211.
Since American athletes historically have been so good internationally, the odds of making the U.S. men’s and women’s track and field teams have proved over the years to be extraordinarily difficult — maybe more difficult than making the team in any other sport.
That difficulty will be on display between now and June 30. Hundreds of American athletes will vie for spots in Paris, competing in this year’s U.S. track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon. Beginning with the opening rounds on Friday, we’ll soon find out who will be representing the U.S. in the Olympic Games later this summer.
Here are a few names and storylines to keep an eye on from the trials at the famed Hayward Field:
Sha’Carri Richardson
Events: Women’s 100m, 200m
No athlete at the U.S. trials will have a greater spotlight on them than Richardson, the 24-year-old…
