"The Olympic Trials is the main goal"-18-year-old Christian Miller unpacks his decision not to run the finals at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor

A couple of days ago, Christian Miller proved he was one of America's fastest-rising stars when he clocked a 9.95 in the semifinals of his New Balance Nationals Outdoor 100m. The 18-year-old was a shoo-in for the win in the finals, but chose not to run, leaving fans a little confused.

For Miller, this marked his first 100m outing since April. Back then, the youngster had sent shockwaves through the world of track and field when he clocked a wind-legal 9.93 while running at the Pure Athletics Elite Invitational. The time was good enough for the world lead at that point, as well as the American U20 record.

After that phenomenal performance, the sprinter took some time to recover and got back in action at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor. He clocked a lukewarm 10.38 in his prelims, before storming to a 9.95 in the semifinals, proving that he was much more than a one-hit wonder.

However, after that electric performance, Christian Miller chose not to run the finals, a decision he took to prioritize his health and fitness for the upcoming U.S Olympic Track and Field Trials.

“The Olympic Trials is the main goal that we’re trying to work towards, so every other track meet that I participate in is just preparing me and making sure I’m healthy for me going to the Trials,” he told Citius Magazine in an interview.

“I could’ve gone and done the 100, I could’ve gone and done the 200, but the smartest thing for me was to be fresh going into the Trials and being able to run my best. I just chose to come out here, get a prelim in, do a semi to get my rhythm back, and then just prepare for the Trials.”

Christian Miller in his targets for the U.S Olympic Trials

While there is no denying that Christian Miller is a phenomenal talent, the American will certainly have his work cut out for him at the U.S Olympic Trials.

Despite his impressive times, the youngster isn't a favorite for the title yet, as he will have to battle the likes of World Champions Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, and Fred Kerley to get into the team.

However, the youngster isn't counting himself out just yet. Going into the Trials, Christian Miller is confident of performing well in Eugene, and considers himself a strong contender for that elusive top three.

“How I've looked at it this season is that the 100 I ran a couple days ago makes me the only athlete in the US to go sub 10 more than once wind-legally this year. So that's putting me in a very good position going into the Trials.”

“I know that I have (it in) my head to get into that top spot, that's definitely a possibility. I’m always keeping it in my head that I have a chance of going out there and competing in the top three if not winning the entire event, so I just got to keep that mindset so it allows me to go out there and do my best,” he said in the same interview.

Christian Miller will get down to business at the Hayward Field starting on Saturday, June 21. Fans eager to catch him in action can tune into NBC, NBC's Peacock, and USA Network.