Saturday brought the first gold medals of the Oregon22 World Athletics Championships for Team USA.
Chase Ealey’s first throw of 67 feet 2¾ inches in the women’s shot put was enough to secure the gold for the 27-year-old. Her winning toss dethroned two-time defending world champion Gong Lijiao of China.
Minutes later, Fred Kerley led a U.S. sweep of the 100 meters, leaning at the line to finish in 9.86 seconds. He narrowly edged teammates Marvin Bracy-Williams and Trayvon Bromell by 0.02 seconds. The difference between second and third was 0.002.
Sunday’s men’s finals include the marathon, 10,000 meters, 110-meter hurdles, and shotput. Former University of Oregon football and track star Devon Allen advanced to the 110-meter hurdles semifinals with his first place finish in his preliminary heat Saturday. Oregonian and world record holder Ryan Crouser is hoping to throw for gold in the men’s shot put final.
Sunday’s women’s finals include the pole vault, hammer throw, and the 100 meters.
Some of these events are being televised on CNBC and NBC.