Team USA
As the Paris 2024 Olympics quickly approaches, the USA is composing a talented and dedicated team of athletes hoping to bring glory to the nation. On February 3rd, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials took place, as runners raced vigorously to secure a highly selective spot on the Olympic team. The top three men and women in their respective races were selected to represent the team this summer, as the United States attempts to, once again, assert itself as a dominant force in the games. Fiona O’Keefe, Emily Sisson, Dakotah Lindwurm, Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Leonard Korir will be competing in July.
The Training
The Marathon is often regarded as one of the most physically and mentally strenuous experiences one can put themselves through. For many, simply completing it is a feat in itself. Concerning these top performers, however, it is not enough to just endure the pain; they must constantly push the pace and race to their optimal abilities. Such requires intensive training for years preceding the race itself. When preparing for a marathon, most elite runners will run upwards of 100 miles per week, consisting of both intricate speed workouts and long, easy mileage. However, this alone is not enough for success on race day; second-place trials finisher Emily Sisson explains the benefits of “experimenting with gels and sports drinks to fuel [her] runs. [She] doesn’t normally take in a lot of sugar,” emphasizing the value of proper nutrition and the subsequent impacts it has on improvement and performance. Additionally, it is crucial to recognize the mental fortitude elite marathoners are required to have to succeed in this event. Running is often considered a mental sport more so than a physical one, and this notion holds especially true in a 26.2-mile race.
The Race
The race itself, primarily the women’s marathon, stood out in the world of athletics with a ground-breaking debut performance from first-place finisher and Olympic qualifier Fiona O’Keefe, finishing in 2:22:10. Such a stellar race not only solidified her prominence in the running community but also broke the US Olympic marathon trials record. O’Keefe herself admitted that “[She] was not expecting this performance,” and that her poised mentality was vital to her ultimate success. Despite holding the American record for the women’s marathon, Emily Sisson took second to O’Keefe’s unprecedented win, redeeming herself from a disappointing race in 2020 with a spot on the elite team. The men had a strong showing as well, with Conner Mantz clenching the first-place finish in 2:09:05. The course itself was fairly flat and the weather was mild, laying the foundation for a thrilling and competitive race.
The Olympics
The Olympics themselves will take place from July 26th to August 11, 2024, in Paris. The marathon itself, though frequently swept by Ethiopia and Kenya, will be an exciting watch for American runners and those interested in the qualifying team. The United States rarely fails to put forth a skilled team of runners in both short and long-distance events, so viewers should prepare to be entertained as America challenges the track this summer.
