Track and field in the United States is buzzing with activity as the outdoor season hits its peak. From collegiate competitions to professional leagues and rising youth stars, here’s a comprehensive look at the latest happenings in the world of U.S. athletics as of May 24, 2025.
USATF Outdoor Championships: The Road to Tokyo. The highly anticipated 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships are set to take place from July 31 to August 3 at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. These championships will be the decisive trial for Team USA selection ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
NBC and Peacock will broadcast the event on August 2 and 3, with star athletes like Rai Benjamin looking to defend their national titles and secure their spots on the world stage.
Collegiate Stars Shine Bright
As the NCAA Outdoor Championships approach, collegiate athletes are stepping into the spotlight:
Annika Bynum of Marquette University has tied her school’s high jump record (1.80m) and will compete in the NCAA West First Round.
Danny Olsen, also of Marquette, broke the school record in the 400m with a time of 46.21 seconds.
Both will head to College Station, Texas, for the NCAA West preliminaries, aiming to qualify for nationals in Eugene.
Professional Scene: Grand Slam Track Series
Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track league is making waves in the professional circuit. With four major meets and a total prize pool of $12.6 million, the league is attracting elite talent.
The Miami Slam, held from May 2–4, saw intense competition, although Fred Kerley was notably absent due to legal issues. Brandon Hicklin stepped in, keeping the energy high and the races fast.
Record-Breaking Performances
American middle-distance runner Josh Hoey continues to make headlines. He set a new American indoor 800m record at 1:43.24 and went on to claim the 800m title at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. His performances are positioning him as a favorite for Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Clayton Murphy, a familiar name in the 800m since his Olympic bronze in 2016, has officially announced his retirement.
Youth Movement: Stars of Tomorrow
The next generation is already making its mark:
Braxden Radcliffe, an eighth-grader at Meridian Junior High, broke a 38-year-old school pole vault record by clearing 11 feet, 6 inches.
At Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School, the girls’ track team clinched their second consecutive Division 4 regional title, led by Layla Bolzman and Cambree Torma.
These young athletes reflect the promising future of U.S. track and field.
Conclusion: Full Speed Ahead
From record-setting performances to the excitement of national championships and the emergence of future stars, U.S. track and field is thriving. With the World Championships in Tokyo on the horizon, the coming months promise even more action and inspiration.
Stay tuned, because the race is far from over.