Biggest upsets of U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials 2024 ft. Christian Coleman, Athing Mu

The 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials have witnessed many remarkable performances as the athletes have put their best efforts to secure qualification for the Paris Olympics.

However, halfway through the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, several major upsets have shocked the track and field community.

A look at the biggest upsets of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials

#6 KC Lightfoot

Pole vaulter KC Lightfoot will not be heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics after an underwhelming performance at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

Lightfoot, who placed fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a clearance of 5.80m mark, came 16th overall in the qualifications after failing to register a mark of 5.60.

#5 Janee Kassanavoid

Two-time World Athletics Championships medalist Janee Kassanavoid missed out on qualifying for the Paris Olympics 2024 after finishing sixth in the finals of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials.

The 29-year-old hammer thrower, who has a personal best of 78.00m, could only record a 69.46m throw at the trials.

#4 Brooke Andersen

Another prominent hammer thrower, Brooke Andersen, failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics after fouling all her three throws in the finals. It was a heartbreak for the 2022 World champion who had earlier topped the trials’ qualifications with a 76.25m throw.

#3 Laulauga Tausaga-Collins

Another huge upset that the trials witnessed was the reigning World champion Laulauga Tausaga-Collins fouling all her first three throws during the qualifications of the women’s discus throw. With this, she is set to miss the Quadrennial Games in Paris.

#2 Christian Coleman

Christian Coleman, considered one of the biggest prospects for the USA in the men’s 100m, narrowly missed out on securing a berth in the Pairs Olympics 2024 in the individual event after finishing fourth in the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials.

Despite finishing in the top 3 overall in the heats (9.99s) and semifinals (9.86s), the reigning world indoor champion in the 60m came fourth, clocking 9.93s. He was preceded by Noah Lyles (9.83s), Kenny Bednarek (9.87s), and Fred Kerley (9.88s).

#1 Athing Mu

One of the biggest upsets that transpired in the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials was the reigning Olympic champion Athing Mu’s fall in the women’s 800m finals.

Mu, considered one of the top medal contenders for the Paris Olympics, fell just 200m into the race and was not able to catch up with the rest of the pack and finished last, thus shattering her dreams of defending her Olympic title.