Olympic Bronze Medalist Will Race Over Barriers For First Time Since 2018

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Programming Note: USATF.TV will carry live meet coverage from Mt. SAC before and after the NBC telecast. The 11 to 1:30 p.m. window features several field events finals, plus prelim qualifying for the afternoon finals. The later slot from 7 to 8:30 p.m. features distance races including 3,000-meter steeplechase and 5,000-meter finals. 

USATF.TV COVERAGE OF THE USATF GOLDEN GAMES AND DISTANCE OPEN AT MT. SAC

Olympic silver medalist Evan Jager is set to make his return to the 3,000-meter steeplechase for the first time since the Ostrava IAAF Continental Cup in September of 2018. 

Jager lost his 2019 season due to injury and has not raced over barriers at all so far during the COVID-19 crisis. 

His return will be closely watched as he attempts to re-assert himself in the event and tries to make his third Olympic team. 

The women's 3,000-meter steeplechase features Olympian Courtney Frerichs and includes Charlotte Prouse from the University of New Mexico, Valerie Constien, Grayson Murphy and Leah Falland. 

Sunday night's 5,000-meter races also have star power. Molly Huddle is in the women's race, along with Katrina Coogan, Sarah Pagano, Josette Norris and Maggie Montoya. 

The men's race only has seven listed competitors, but included are Mason Ferlic, Reid Buchanan, Ben Flanagan and Lawi Lalang. 

Earlier in the day, the action kicks off with Gwen Berry throwing in the women's hammer. The 2019 Pan Am Games champion will be throwing for the second time this year. 

The best men's discus competition in the U.S. this year will see 2019 U.S. champion Sam Mattis taking on 2018 national champion Reggie Jagers III and 2017 world bronze medalist Mason Finley. 

KC Lightfoot, who left Baylor to turn pro this spring after breaking the NCAA record, will compete in the pole vault against Chris Nilsen, Andrew Irwin and Cole Walsh. 

Darrell Hill is the top entrant in the men's shot put. 

Keturah Orji, who broke the American outdoor record in the triple jump at Chula Vista on April 25 (48-11.5014.92m), is expected to face U.S. indoor record holder Tori Franklin in their first matchup this year.

Franklin, who had held the outdoor record of 48-8.25 (14.84m) since 2018, won April 24 at the USATF Grand Prix at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., with a 46-3.25 (14.10m) effort.