Richardson is looking to qualify in her second race after winning the 100 meters in 10.71 seconds last week. The US Olympic track and field trials title continues a remarkable rise to prominence for Richardson, who delighted track fans in 2021 at the trials before her stunning fall from grace when she was banned after testing positive for THC. She missed the Tokyo Games and has been open about her struggles before and after the catastrophic event, saying that everything she went through allowed her to come back. She’s running with obvious joy this season.

Asked what it would mean to head to Paris for two events, Richardson said: “It will show that divine timing is everything. What is meant to happen will happen and nothing will stop it. I will feel it is my responsibility.” …to go to Paris and get those medals back.”

Meanwhile, Thomas is the defending bronze medalist in the 200m. She also won a silver medal in the 4×100 relay in Tokyo.

Thomas is also a fan favorite in the track world in part because of her unconventional college choice. She ran at Harvard from 2015-18, turning professional before her senior season in college. She tends to run well in this field, having set personal bests in the 100 and 200 meters at previous meets in Eugene.