Athletes to watch at world championships, Day 8

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — A look at how 10 top athletes are faring at track and field world championships after Day 8:

SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON

With her colorful hair, glitzy nails and, of course, fast times, Richardson stands out on the track. The 23-year-old from Dallas now is tied with Shericka Jackson with the fastest 100-meter time in the world this season (10.65). Richardson ran in all three sprints a year after missing the team. She won the 100 at the U.S. Olympic trials two years ago, but had the title stripped after she tested positive for marijuana. RESULTS: Won the 100 meters in a championship-record time of 10.65 seconds. RESULTS: Finished third in the 200 final in a personal-best time of 21.92. Anchored the 4×100 team to gold Saturday.

MARILEIDY PAULINO

The 400 meters was thought to be wide open with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone withdrawing from the event because of a minor knee issue. Paulino, who represents the Dominican Republic, has the second-fastest time this season behind McLaughlin-Levrone. Paulino finished runner-up to Shaunae Miller-Uibo at last year’s worlds. RESULTS: Won 400 meters Wednesday.

FAITH KIPYEGON

The 29-year-old Kenyan broke three different world records — mile, 1,500 and 5,000 — over a 50-day stretch this year. Kipyegon won the 1,500 and is now gearing in on the 5,000 at the worlds, a double she might repeat a year from now at the Paris Games. RESULTS: Defended her 1,500-meter title, winning in a time of 3:54.87. Won 5,000 final Saturday in 14:53.88.

KATIE MOON

To think, the reigning world and Olympic champion pole vaulter was nearly a gymnast instead. Moon, who is from Ohio, has the top clearance in the world this season. Competing last season at the worlds as Katie Nageotte — she got married — she won on countback over U.S. teammate Sandi Morris. RESULTS: Tied for gold with Australia’s Nina Kennedy.

ANNA HALL

The fun-loving, candy-chomping American is knocking on the door of the 7,000-point plateau in the heptathlon — a mark only four women have achieved. Hall’s top score in the seven-event competition is 6,988 points, which she set in May. The world record is held by Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who accumulated 7,291 points in winning at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. RESULTS: Finished second, 20 points behind Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the tightest heptathlon in world championship history.

NOAH LYLES

At last year’s world championships, Lyles broke the long-hallowed American 200-meter record of 19.32 seconds held since 1996 by Michael Johnson. Lyles has set 19.10 as a goal, which would shatter Usain Bolt’s mark of 19.19. RESULTS: Completed sprint triple Saturday by anchoring U.S. men to win in 4×100 relay. Won 100 in 9.83 seconds. Won the 200 in a time of 19.52.

PAWEL FAJDEK

The Polish hammer thrower tries for his sixth straight world title. If he wins it, he would match Sergey Bubka with the most world golds in an individual event. RESULTS: Finished fourth to snap streak of five straight wins at worlds.

MONDO DUPLANTIS

Since first breaking the world record three years ago, the Louisiana-born pole vaulter, who competes for his mother’s native Sweden, has upped the mark by a centimeter five more times. It now stands at 6.22 meters (20 feet, 4 3/4 inches). RESULTS: Won second straight world title with jump of 6.10 meters (20 feet). Attempted to jump 6.23 for world record but failed three times.

FRED KERLEY

The American sprinter is the defending world champion at 100 meters. His best time this year is 9.88 seconds — pedestrian for this race — but Kerley is a favorite in an event where no one has cracked 9.8 this year. RESULTS: Finished third in 100-meter semifinals and did not advance to finals. Ran second leg of men’s 4×100 on Saturday to help U.S. win gold.

MUTAZ ESSA BARSHIM

It might not ever get better for the high jumper nicknamed “The Falcon,” than when he won world gold in his home country of Qatar in 2019. But Barshim has won gold in the last four major competitions, including the famous tie for first with Gianmarco Tamberi at the Tokyo Olympics two years ago. RESULTS: Finished with bronze medal.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up