The 2025 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships officially commenced on July 31 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, marking the start of a four-day competition that also serves as Team USA’s qualifying trials for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 13–21. More than a national title meet, the event provides elite athletes the opportunity to secure one of three team spots in each event—or up to four in special cases tied to Diamond League or World Championship byes—provided they also meet international entry standards.
Seasoned stars like Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin‑Levrone, and others headline the competition, many arriving with byes earned from global victories in Budapest 2023. Those athletes, while exempt from qualifying procedures, still compete in Eugene to demonstrate form and challenge rising contenders.
Day 1 unfolded with a full slate: men’s decathlon began with the 100 m, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 m; the men’s javelin and hammer throw finals were contested; and the early rounds of the men’s 100 m, 400 m, and 10,000 m kicked off. Women’s heptathlon and multiple field events also featured prominently.
Decathlon and heptathlon action held early focus, but track star Noah Lyles stole headlines in the sprint heats. Lyles posted a heat-winning time of 10.05 seconds in the men’s 100 m, but withdrew before the semifinals to prioritize the 200 m, where he is targeting a world title defense. His exit gave the spotlight to Kenny Bednarek, the only male sprinter under 10 seconds that round, who clocked 9.95 to lead the field into semis. Both Lyles and Richardson have already secured their Tokyo berths through past World Championship wins.
Women’s events also offered drama. Sha’Carri Richardson advanced in the 100 m with a season-best 11.07, netting confidence heading into Tokyo. Meanwhile, Sydney McLaughlin‑Levrone made a high-profile flat 400 m debut at nationals, shifting from her usual specialty in the 400 m hurdles. She enters among the fastest Americans ever in the flat 400 and is widely seen as a favorite in Eugene and in Tokyo.
On the field side, the men’s javelin final saw Curtis Thompson claim the title, reinforcing his stature as one of the nation’s top throwers. DeAnna Price captured the women’s hammer throw with a massive 78.53 m mark, showcasing her continued dominance in that discipline.
The stakes go beyond national crowns. For events without automatic byes, the top three finishers who meet World Athletics standards earn their seats on Team USA. In events with U.S. Diamond League or World Champions, additional entries may be allowed, and those champions can receive discretionary wild-card selection regardless of their performance in Eugene. Prize money is on offer, though described as modest, adding incentive for podium finishers but with limited financial impact.
In the technical events, men’s decathlon continues through the weekend, while early rounds in distance races like the 800 m and 10,000 m further reveal athlete form and pacing across rounds. Rising stars—including collegiate standouts and relay contributors—are challenging established veterans for roster spots, hinting at a fiercely competitive camp selection environment.
Fans around the country can follow the action via USATF.TV streaming all four days, with NBC and Peacock primetime coverage scheduled for August 2–3 when finals sessions take center stage.
Looking ahead, Day 2 features the decathlon 110 m hurdles, discus, pole vault and javelin, along with semifinals and finals in sprints, hurdles, and other field events. The intensity will only ramp up as athletes pursue both national glory and world-stage qualification pressure-mapped into their event paths.
As one of the most open U.S. track meets in recent years—with returning champions facing hungry challengers, and Olympic and world medalists still proving their top form—this championship promises both star turns and breakout performances across a storied venue. Hayward Field once again asserts its role as the heartbeat of American track and field, and the championships are tracking toward memorable moments from Eugene to Tokyo.
