Meet Our 100m Olympic Team

With the Olympics only weeks away, I’ve decided to keep my time occupied by writing about each athlete that made the U.S. Olympic team in track and field. There is no better way to start than by introducing the 100m team.

Justlin Gatlin: The 2004 Olympic champion in 100m and bronze medalist in 200m and current World Indoor Champion in the 60m, this guy has proven himself that he can return back into the ranks of the elite. He served his suspension and is looking for more hardware as he heads to London. He set a new personal best at the Olympic Trials, running 9.80, edging out his compatriots Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey. He’ll have to continue stepping it up if he’s going to go face the Jamaicans in their rivalry.

Tyson Gay: The American record holder in the 100m at 9.69, Tyson Gay has had his fair share of injuries since setting that record. Battling through multiple injuries and surgeries, Gay came back in 2012 running 10.00 in a low key race at the Adidas Grand Prix. He ran that into a headwind, which, if converted, would be a 9.90. He finished second behind Justin Gatlin in 9.86, showing that he is in shape and ready to head into the Olympic games. To truly contend for a medal spot, he needs to keep his injuries in check, and so long as that happens, he should be fine.

Ryan Bailey: The man to secure the last 100m, Ryan Bailey ran 9.93 at the trials. With a personal best of 9.88 set in 2010, he has a lot of work to do before the Olympics begin in order to contend with the Jamaicans.

Carmelita Jeter: The reigning world champion at 100m and world silver medalist at 200m, Carmelita Jeter will once again be doubling at a major championship. She will be looking for her first Olympic medals in these events. She ran 10.92 at the Olympic trials, and we’re hoping to see the type of performances she had at the World Championships at the Olympics. She will also be competing in the 4x100m.

Tianna Madison: Originally a long jumper, Tianna Madison has been put into sprinting events and has been showing remarkable results, with personal bests in both 100m and 200m. A 10.96 to secure second place at the Olympic trials, she will be one to look out for at the Olympics. She is also the bronze medalist in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships.

Allyson Felix: The athlete who was stuck in all the drama with her teammate, Allyson Felix was the named the last member of the 100m after Jeneba Tarmoh conceded her spot to her. Felix is now attempting a 100/200 double rather than a 200/400, hopefully to help her succeed in her dream of becoming the 200m gold medalist at the Olympic games. The last two Olympics she has finished second and she’ll be looking for some individual hardware to go with the potential relay medals she’ll be competing for.

More team coverage to follow in the coming weeks.