Noah Lyles edges nemesis Kenny Bednarek in the USATF 200m final with a time of 19.63. plus a "stare down" at the finish line.
Noah Lyles edges nemesis Kenny Bednarek in the USATF 200m final with a time of 19.63. plus a "stare down" at the finish line. (Photo: Robert Attical BVN/NNPA)

Jon D. Gaede \ BVN Sports

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Hayward Field in Oregon provided the venue as USATF athletes competed for a US National and Paralympic Outdoor Championship and an invite to the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan (Sep 13-21) and New Delhi (Sep 26-Oct 5).

In order to actually qualify for the US national team at the World’s, each athlete must place in the top three at Eugene, plus meet the world standard for that event. If the standard is not met, then the athlete must meet the standard at another meet prior to the World Championships.

Sydney McLaughlin-Nevrone (L) wins the 400 in 49.90, Isabella Whitiker second and Aallyah Butler third (R). (Photo: Robert Attical BVN/NNPA)
Anna Hall wins the Heptathlon with 6,899 points and will compete in Tokyo. (Photo: Jon Gaede BVN/NNPA)

Sunday’s competition had its share of outstanding performances and personal bests. None more exciting than the Men’s 200 meter final that featured the rivalry between Paris Olympic Champion Noah Lyles and nemesis Kenny Bednarek. Lyles won the race in 19.63 seconds (World best/2025) giving Bednarek a “stare down” as they crossed the line which Bednarek did not appreciate, shoving Lyles15 yards across the finish line.

Four time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Nevrone, concentrated on the Women’s 400 meter race at Hayward. She posted a 48.90 to win the race, third fastest of her career, but just short of the American record. She will be joined in Tokyo by Isabella Whitaker and Aallyah Butler who finished second and third.

Kyle Garland became the US Decathlon Champion with 8,889 points. (Photo: Jon Gaede BVN/NNPA)
Valerie Allmon won the discus title with a throw of 71.45.  (Photo: Robert Attical BVN/NNPA)

Anna Hall won her fourth consecutive USATF Heptathlon title with 6,899 points and will compete in Tokyo. Hall took a silver at the World’s in 2023, then had knee surgery in 2024, which no longer appears to be an issue. Kyle Garland, former Georgia Bulldog won the Men’s Decathlon with an impressive 8,889 points, third most in American history.

American discus record holder and two time Olympic gold medalist Valerie Allman had an impressive winning throw of 71.45 meters at Eugene. Reggie Jagers III finished strong with a winning throw of 66.85m (219-4 ft) to win the USATF Title. Jagers is a proud member of the “U.S. Army Elite Athlete Program” that supports and promotes elite athletes who serve.

Ezra Frech (USC) won the T83 High Jump, leaping 1.83m (6 ft). (Photo: Jon Gaede, BVN/NNPA)
Roderick Townsend-Roberts won the T47 High Jump event with a height of 2.04m (6-8). (Photo: Jon Gaede, BVN/NNPA)

Double gold winner from Paris Games, Ezra Frech (USC) competed in the T63 Para athlete classification in the 100m, Long Jump (3rd), winning the High Jump with a leap of 1.83 m (6 ft.) and will join the team of 40 U.S. Para athletes at World’s in New Delhi. His mentor and high jump coach Roderick Townsend-Roberts, won the T46 High Jump leaping 2.04m (6-8 ft)

Reggie Jagers, member of the U.S. Army Elite Athlete Program, won the discuss with a toss of 219-4 ft.  (Photos: Jon Gaede BVN/NNPA)

Notable – Para athlete Ezra Frech was elated after signing a contract with “Adidas” the iconic sports shoe brand that supports outstanding athletes like Ezra to compete on the international level. Frech also featured in an outstanding docuseries called “Adaptive” a three part series depicting the unique journey of Para athletes from Tokyo 2020 to Paris Olympics 2024.