2024 United States Olympic Trials Recap2024 United States Olympic Trials Recap

2024 United States Olympic Trials Recap

by Alex Clough

For the second time in program history, four Knights competed for the chance to represent the United States at the Olympics, with the trials serving as a showcase of America's best athletes.

Here's a day-by-day breakdown of how UCF was represented in Eugene:

Saturday (Week 2)

(9:45 p.m. ET) - Blaney Bosts Strong Performance in the 10000m

The most prolific distance runner in program history, Blaney clocked a 33:00.53 to place 20th in the finals of the 10000m. The event marked the second that the former Knight has competed in during this Olympic Trials cycle, having also appeared in the marathon heald in Orlando.

(8:30 p.m. ET) - Jones Concludes Historic 2024 Campaign

Similar to her debut appearance at the 2021 United States Olympic Trials, Jones missed out on the finals in the 100m hurdles by just one spot. The graduate placed third in her heat with a strong time of 12.83 but after a 12.77 in the third heat, Jones moved to 10th.

The Big 12 champion continued to break records during her farewell collegiate campaign and her performances over the past two months have cemented her place as one of the greatest athletes in UCF Athletics history.

Friday (Week 2)

(8:45 p.m. ET) - Jones Places Second in Heat Three to Qualify to Semis

A strong start out of the blocks for the 10-time All-American led to a strong opening-12.77 in the first round of the 100m hurdles. The performance matches her time at the East Coast Relays and stands as her fourth-best of the 2024 campaign.

The Big 12 champion will be back in action tomorrow night for the semifinals at 8:04 p.m. ET on NBC.

  • (9:30 a.m. ET) - Jones set for 100m Hurdles first round on USA Network

Her second appearance on the nation's biggest stage, Jones will begin her journey for Paris tonight. Having already met the Olympic standard, the now 10-time All-American will race in lane seven of heat three, alongside the likes of Nia Ali and Michigans Aasia Laurencin, whom Jones competed with in the finals of the 100m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Thursday (Week 2)

  • (9:45 p.m. ET) - Collins wraps up Trials campaign in the Long Jump

Nearly a week after her ninth-overall finish in the triple jump, Collins became the first athlete in program history to compete in two jumps events at the Olympic Trials Thursday night. The reigning second-team All-American placed 23rd in the first round of the long jump with a strong second attempt at 6.04m.

Saturday

  • (10:20 p.m. ET) - Williams Concludes Trials Journey in the 400m

After a 22nd-place finish in the first round Friday, Williams finished in 23rd during the semifinals and seventh in her heat, crossing the line at 52.54.

  • (9:50 p.m. ET) - Collins Places Ninth Overall in Triple Jump Finals

After a strong opening mark in Friday's qualifying round, Collins saw gradual improvements in each of her attempts Saturday night to finish in ninth, just missing out on the finals.

After landing 13.10m on her second jump, the senior concluded part one of her trials journey with a 13.17.

  • (11 a.m. ET) – Collins and Williams Set for Day Two

After a great opening to the tandem’s weekend yesterday, another late night of competition awaits:

  • 9:20 p.m. ET: Triple Jump Finals (Asherah)
  • 10:15 p.m. ET: 400m (Kiah)

Tonight’s slate will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

Friday

  • (10:35 p.m. ET) – Asherah Collins Boasts Strong Qualifying Performance in the Triple Jump

After a promising first attempt, Collins left no room for doubt with a strong 13.39m mark for her second jump, securing a seventh-overall finish. As the senior continues to strive for her program record in the event (13.48m), her performance serves as a strong opening to her trials campaign.

The final will begin at 9:20 p.m. ET tomorrow evening, as Collins will compete alongside 11 other athletes to secure a top-three finish.

  • (7:10 p.m. ET) – Kiah Williams Qualifies for the 400m Semifinals

Competing in the fifth and final heat of the first round, Williams got off to a great start over the first 200m, eventually propelling her across the line at 52.04, securing an automatic qualification. Her time is a step better than her 52.27 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, which garnered the Hallandale, Florida, native her second-career All-America honorable mention.

The 22nd-place finish will see the senior, competing in her first United States Olympic Trials, line up in the first heat tomorrow at 10:15 p.m. ET. To advance to the finals, Williams must finish among the top two in her heat or hold one of the next three fastest times.