From a home-based training plan by high jump star Nicola Olyslagers, to 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus rewriting the record books over 800m, it’s been a week of bold moves and big performances. Add in the rekindled sprint rivalry between Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek, standout results from the US Trials, and the 30-year anniversary of Jonathan Edwards’ triple jump world record – and the road to Tokyo just got even more exciting.
Let’s dive in
Olyslagers Opts for Home Base Ahead of Tokyo
CENTRAL COAST, NSW – World Indoor High Jump champion Nicola Olyslagers has taken an unconventional approach to her World Championships build-up, staying in Australia to complete a heavy training block rather than following the European circuit.
The Australian record-holder (2.03m) and dual Olympic silver medallist enjoyed a glittering June campaign – clearing 2.00m to win the Paris Diamond League, 2.01m in Stockholm, and 1.97m at the FBK Games. Since returning home, she’s focused on technical refinements to tackle “next level” heights of 2.03m and beyond.
Olyslagers will return to competition at the Silesia Diamond League on 15 August, followed by Lausanne (20 Aug) and Zurich (27 Aug) before the Tokyo qualification round on 18 September.
“Sometimes you have to say ‘no’ to something to say ‘yes’ to something,” Olyslagers said. “I’m ready to give more than just a performance – I want to give something special.”
Source: NSWIS – Olyslagers plans to conquer world after home stay
Teen Sensation Lutkenhaus Rewrites the Record Books
EUGENE, USA – In one of the most jaw-dropping runs in middle-distance history, 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus clocked 1:42.27 for 800m at the US Trials – obliterating the U18 world best by almost three seconds.
The high schooler finished second to former world champion Donavan Brazier, whose own comeback from years of injury culminated in a lifetime best of 1:42.16. Lutkenhaus is now the fourth-fastest American in history over the distance and will be the youngest US track athlete ever at a World Championships.
US athletics commentator Steve Magness called it “one of the most impressive athletic feats in history”, while others labelled it “LeBron, Kobe, Tiger-esque”.
Source: news.com.au – ‘No words’: Teenage freak smashes records, blows minds
Lyles vs Bednarek – Rivalry Back On
EUGENE, USA – The men’s 200m final at the US Trials delivered both world-class sprinting and headline-grabbing tension. Noah Lyles came from behind to edge Kenny Bednarek in a world-leading 19.63, but it was his finish-line stare that sparked a shove from his rival.
The pair have since spoken for an hour to clear the air, but the competitive spark remains. Bednarek, in the best form of his career with a 9.79 100m this season, said:
“Every time we step on the track, you’re going to expect fireworks.”
Fans won’t have to wait long – the duo meet again over 100m in Silesia next week before their Tokyo 100m/200m battles.
Source: Yahoo Sports – After pushing his rival, Kenny Bednarek has made up with Noah Lyles
US Trials Round-Up
The US Championships are one of the world’s great track meets. Eugene produced a string of standout performances beyond the big rivalries:
- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden completed a 100m/200m double, her 10.65 equalling fifth on the world all-time list.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone took the 400m in 48.90 and will skip the hurdles in Tokyo.
- Dalilah Muhammad won the 400m hurdles in 52.65 during her farewell season.
- Valarie Allman continued her discus dominance with 71.45m as she chases her first World title.
- Cole Hocker produced another trademark inside pass to win the 5000m.
- Anna Hall reinforced her heptathlon favourite status with 6899 points.
Source: Athletics Weekly – Top 10 moments from the USATF Outdoor Championships
30 Years On – Edwards’ Triple Jump Legacy
GOTHENBURG, SWE – This week marks 30 years since Jonathan Edwards leapt into history with an 18.29m triple jump world record at the 1995 World Championships – a mark that still stands today.
Speaking on the Go Wild podcast, Edwards reflected on his unlikely rise from “looking more like a geography teacher” to dominating the event, and on the personal significance of his record.
“It’s more than I could ever hope to achieve in sport. If it falls one day, I’ll be fine – but it’s been part of me for so long.”
Source: Athletics Weekly – Jonathan Edwards celebrates 30 years as triple jump world record-holder
