Four US Track Stars to Watch Out for at Penn Relays This Weekend

The Penn Relays are all set to begin. And before the starting clap flags off the event, viewers will be eager to find out what exactly is at stake as the event begins to take shape. While some categories feature a multitude of competing Olympians, some events will see lesser-known athletes take center stage. And while all events will see athletes competing with equal zeal, the eyes will be on the few that have proven records and could even be set to enter the record books with their runs.

The Penn Relays will see a return after three long years on the ice. Set to be conducted in Franklin Field from Thursday through Sunday, the 126th edition of the event will see country-wide participation from athletes across several events. The event returns to Franklin Field after a 1097-day hiatus and will see close to 15,000 athletes compete in over 298 events. Astounding a number, 15,000, however, doesn’t sound like that many when you consider that the athletes are going to range in age from 9-years-old to 100-years-old in the Masters 100.

Events to watch out for

All events are special, but perhaps some more than others. Fans will enjoy the competition but some events will attract more attention. And while fans will be wishing to be nothing but a spectator all weekend long, here are some events that you can keep your eyes peeled for a close contest.

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Women’s 100-meter Hurdles – Elite

With the announcement of including Sydney McLaughlin in the run-up for this event, American hearts will beat that much faster. The two-time Tokyo Olympics gold medallist will take on the competition and will start as a favorite. Despite her pedigree being proven in the 400 m hurdles, her 100 m time is not one to shy away from either. With a 12.65 against her name, she will enter the event as one of the favorites to take it home.

Her competition, however, will come from Shermaine Williams as the two-time Olympian takes on the role of her closest challenger to the title.

Men’s 110-meter Hurdles – Elite

This event will see another rivalry tested to its limits. With Devon Allen taking on Omar McLeod, there is some history between these competitors. While Allen enters the competition on better form, McLeod has had the better of Allen twice so far. Once in the 2016 Rio Olympics and then again in the 2017 World Championships.

However, having recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, the to-be wide receiver has notched up a 13.12 at the Navy Invitational recently. Enough to be the best in the world this year. But can McLeod get the best of Allen just once again?

Women’s 300-meter Elite

In what could well be her final Penn Relays appearance, Allyson Felix takes the field too. With a proven track record, the 5-time Olympian and 11-time medallist will be looking to add more laurels before retiring. Felix will compete for the?first?time since her historic run at the Tokyo Olympics. Could she put in a shift and win just one more time for her fans?

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Even at 36, expectations from the athlete are sky high and fans will be expecting a solid performance to wrap up her final Relays appearance.

Women’s 600-meter Elite

Perhaps the most competitive of events over the weekend, the 600m comes in with massive expectations. With potential winners ranging from two-time Olympic gold medallist Athing Mu to Ajee Wilson and Natoya Goule. The starting line will see everyone line up with almost equal expectations on delivering the medal.

While Mu has won in longer races before, she set a 1:24.13 during her most recent 600-meter race in March 2022. A time only rivaled by Ajee Wilson’s 1:24.007 at the Adidas Boost Boston Run. Wilson, however, was beaten at the event by Natoya Ghoule’s 1:24.00.

The Penn program’s Nia Akins too could stand to throw up some surprises as she holds the current record in both the indoor and outdoor 800-meter.

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But which of these do you expect to be the most exciting event? And which are you most looking forward to?