USATF flips order of 5k/10ks at Olympic Trials. Why did they do this and who is it benefitting?

USA Track & Field (USATF), the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and the TrackTown USA Local Organizing Committee announced the release of the updated competition schedule for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field, that will take place June 18-27, 2021, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

The updated schedule, in its entirety below, slightly differs from the schedule announced in 2020 with date changes for the men’s and women’s 5000m and men’s and women’s 10,000m.

Men’s shot put qualifying at noon local time on Friday, June 18 is the first official U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field event at the new, state-of-the art Hayward Field. The final is later that evening, as well as qualifying for women’s discus, women’s high jump and triple jump, the women’s 1500m, along with the men’s 10,000m final to close out the first day.

The men’s decathlon bursts from the blocks on June 19, along with finals in the women’s discus and 100m rounding out the evening.

The opening weekend awaits the winner of the men’s decathlon, along with finals in the men’s and women’s 400m, the women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 100m final and field event finals in the women’s high jump and triple jump.

The events on Friday, June 25, bring qualifying in the men’s 200m and women’s 800m and the men’s discus throw and 3000m Steeplechase final.

On the final day, June 27, the women’s heptathlon champion is set to be crowned, along with a slew of other finals including the men's 200m and women’s 400m hurdles.

Tickets for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials are currently in a holding pattern due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 landscape. The local organizing committee, TrackTown USA, is working diligently with public health officials on plans for the event, and updates on ticketing will be announced as soon as possible. Changing ticket orders or purchasing tickets are not possible at this time. Ticket holders with questions may contact the local organizing committee directly at info@gotracktownusa.com.

The 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field will be broadcast on NBC and its local affiliates. Broadcast information to be released at a later date. For the full competition schedule and athlete information, see the event page here.

Here are the changes.

Women's 10k initially scheduled for day 1 moves to day 9.

Women's 5k initially scheduled for days 7 and 10 moves to 1 and 3.

Men's 10k initially scheduled for day 7 moves to day 1.

Men's 5000 initially scheduled for days 1 and 4 moves to days 7and 10.

posted Sunday February 28th
by USATF