This week was a week of some decent meets as well as the return to competition for some major players in US Track and Field. On the Illinois side, it was fairly quiet, except for the USATF IL regional meets across the country. As always, feel free to shoot me a message if you have a specific story you would like me to cover on X @SHS_TFXC
1. Noah Lyles Returns
Noah Lyles ran his first race since a low-key 400m back in April and came away with the victory in the 200m at the Monaco Diamond League. In this race, he took down the defending gold medalist, Letsile Tebogo. Noah made his return memorable by taking down the Olympic Champ and running 19.88. Anyone who doubted if Lyles would be ready to go for Worlds later this summer has been quieted at least for now... I will admit, I was in that camp where I doubted the world champ, but he has proven once again he has a flair for the dramatic. Watch the race here: https://youtu.be/QzbXfw1WODw?si=PdJM6VPu2FDr2AuN
2. Josh Hoey on FIRE!
Speaking of the Monaco Diamond League, the 800m was the marquee event of the meet. There were rumors of a world record attempt to take down the famed David Rudisha, but that never materialized. The race was hot from the gun, and American Josh Hoey, who earlier this year won his first indoor world title, was right on the pace with the leaders. He would eventually fall back a bit before roaring home the last 200 and running 1:42.01 to finish in 2nd place. The year of Josh Hoey continues, as he appears to be a legitimate medal contender in the 800 if he can secure a spot on Team USA. The 800 at USA's is absolutely stacked, and Hoey looks to be the favorite, but anything can and usually does happen in that event. Watch the Monaco 800 here: https://youtu.be/3psEmrPx8ok?si=R_z0ijPcW0PHYekH
3. American Record Holder Alicia Monson Returns
In her first race in 16 months, following a meniscus tear and subsequent surgery in 2024, Alicia Monson ran her first race of the season, finishing with a 15:01 5K. Monson was a bright light in American distance running before her injury. She has been grinding her way back after a few setbacks in her return to racing, and it was an incredible example of perseverance to return to the track and qualify for USA's. To be incredibly inspired, take a listen to her post-race interview here: https://youtu.be/rEdOVcSP4Ck?si=oXlGaNlDXeB8GRDs
4. Quincy Wilson 44.10 U18 World Record
It is not very often that an athlete of Wilson's caliber continues to improve after a long high school season, but Quincy Wilson is not your normal athlete. The 17-year-old superstar from Bullis, MD, took charge of the 400m at the Ed Murphy Classic in Memphis and took down a field of pros to improve upon his U18 World Record in the event. It looks like he and his coach have had a plan all year to be at his best by the USA's selection to hopefully make the team for this summer's world championships. It will be fun to watch him compete in Eugene in August for a spot on the team. Regardless of what he does, he consistently brings younger audiences to the sport with every competition. Watch the race here: https://youtu.be/Q2SQbeXklzg?si=ZqgnZHThG3XLRk8x
5. USATF IL Track & Regional Action
Club track and field action at the youth level hit a fever pitch this past weekend at Proviso East HS. Coach P was on hand to capture a good slice of it. Illinois and Indiana state association clubs were on hand in an attempt to qualify for the national championships in Savannah, Georgia. Check out the results/videos page: HERE
6. Cross Country Season is Quickly Approaching
Emails for rankings and previews have been sent out. Summer training is in full gear. This year, I am working on 1A/2A rankings and previews for boys and girls. Thank you to all the coaches who have already responded to my emails regarding your teams. This is a monumental task each season, and it is my first time doing these previews. Shout out to Tony Jones, Ray Lewis, and all the coaches for providing me with valuable advice and insight into rankings and their programs.
It was another week of track and field information flowing through the universe