What's next for Christian Coleman? All about the former World Champion's pursuits after losing out on 100m and 200m positions at U.S. Olympic Trials

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Jul 10, 2024 02:16 GMT

Christian Coleman had a disappointing finish to his campaign at the U.S Olympic Track and Field Trials, held at Hayward Field. However, his Paris Olympic dream is still alive after he was named to the U.S. Olympic relay team.

The former World Champion had fueled great anticipation among track and field fans after a blistering performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, where he defeated fellow American Noah Lyles to win the 60m crown.

Christian Coleman was one of the top prospects for a podium finish in the 100m at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The American athlete started the 100m finals well, as he led the line-up in the first 40m of the race. However, Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek, and Fred Kerley caught up in the last 20m of the race to clinch the top three spots.

Coleman failed to reach the podium, clocking 9.93s and thereby missing the automatic qualification for the Paris Olympics in the 100m. Moreover, he finished fourth in the 200m in a tough battle against Lyles, Bednarek, and Erriyon Knighton. Ultimately, Coleman lost the opportunity to participate in individual events at the Paris Olympics.

After finishing fourth in the 100m, Christian Coleman will be a part of the Men's 4x100m relay team that will represent the United States of America in Paris. For the relay, the USATF selects a five-member team in which four athletes would participate and one athlete would be kept in reserve in case a member pulls out due to unforeseen circumstances. The USATF finalizes the athlete on reserve.

Christian Coleman opens up on missing out on a podium finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials

World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 - Day One

Christian Coleman spoke about missing out on the top three spots at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in a post-race interview. He weighed in on how athletes train hard for specific moments that matter the most and have a significant impact on their careers.

"We train so hard for these specific moments. But to me, like, that’s what the stories need to be told. That's greatness. Not just greatness when you are winning the accolades but what you do to be able to put yourself in the best possible situation to be able to come out on top. I don't know man it is a part of the sport and I have been doing it for a while," he said (via FloTrack's X handle).

Coleman's dream for an individual event at the Olympics continues.