EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Olympic silver medalist Fred Kerley flashed a peace sign at the crowd after winning the 100 meters at the U.S. outdoor track and field championships Friday night.
Kerley crossed the line in 9.77 seconds, followed by Marvin Bracy-Williams and Trayvon Bromell. All three earned spots on the U.S. team for the world outdoor championships in Eugene next month.
“It’s all about patience and training, and doing what I’ve got to do,” Kerley said after taking selfies with fans.
Melissa Jefferson of Coastal Carolina, who finished eighth in the 100 at this year’s NCAA outdoor championships, edged Aleia Hobbs for the national title in the women’s event.
Ryan Crouser, the world-record holder and two-time Olympic gold medalist, won the shot put at 75 feet, 10 1/4 inches (23.12 meters). Joe Kovaks, already guaranteed a spot at worlds as the defending champion, was second.
Allyson Felix, the most decorated woman in track history, surged the final 40 meters of her semifinal in the 400, but did not finish among the top three and had to wait to see how her time held up. In the end, she made it to the final Sunday.
Athletes were greeted by temperatures in the low 80s and breezy conditions at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The top three finishers in each event will be part of the U.S. team at worlds, track and field’s most prestigious international event outside of the Olympics.