Eugene, OR – The U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, have ended, with several athletes from the Houston area having competed for a chance to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics.
Among the highlights, Alaysha Johnson from Spring, Texas, secured her ticket to Paris by running a personal best in the 100-meter hurdles and placing second overall in the event. “I knew I was going to do it, and honestly it just felt like whew, I’m glad it’s over with, and I’m glad that I get to move on, and I’m glad that I got to show everybody exactly who I knew I was,” Johnson said.
Recommended Videos
Brynn King from The Woodlands, Texas, vaulted her way onto Team USA, clearing the pole vault bar at 4.73 meters, a personal best for the elite track and field star who finished third in the Olympic Trials. “I’m still kind of in shock. I’m very excited, but honestly, I still can’t believe that I made it. I mean, I’ve been dreaming about this, and I haven’t been jumping at this level for very long, so the fact that I made the team this year is crazy,” King shared.
Jacob Wooten, a pole vaulter from Tomball, tied for second in the pole vault, earning him a place on Team USA.
While some local athletes faced disappointment in Oregon, their efforts were commendable. Houston’s Jaiya Covington and Alexandra Webster from The Woodlands came close but did not make it to the finals for Team USA in the 100-meter hurdles. Covington remained hopeful, stating, “It just takes patience and time, so it will come.” Similarly, Webster expressed her desire to continue pursuing her athletic career and eventually become a professional athlete.
In the men’s 200-meter race, Wheatley High School graduate Robert Gregory finished 7th overall, just missing out on a spot for Paris. He planned to take a short break before resuming training for his next opportunity to make the team.
The University of Houston’s Sydni Townsend reached the finals in the women’s 400-meter hurdles but missed making the team by seconds. “At the end of the day, I am appreciative and grateful to run with those girls, the experience here—it’s my first trials, so the experience was good, but yeah, bittersweet,” Townsend remarked.
UofH’s De’Vion Wilson competed in the 110-meter hurdles finals but fell short of making Team USA.
Other Houston-area athletes who competed in the trials included:
• Raevyn Rogers of Houston competed in the women’s 400 meters.
• Kyle Sieracki of Tomball competed in the decathlon.
• Matthew Boling from Houston competed in the 400 meters.
• Brice Deadmon from Missouri City, competed in the 400 meters.
• Jevon O’Bryant from Houston competed in the men’s 400 meters.
• Ahumado Robinson from Spring competed in the men’s 400 meters.
• Craig Nowak from Houston competed in the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase.
We are proud of all the Houston-area athletes who participated in this year’s Olympic trials. Their journey and achievements are worth celebrating, and we look forward to cheering on those who made it to Team USA in Paris.