Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden dazzle at USA Track Championships with blistering 100m wins

OREGON: Kenny Bednarek captured his first national title in electrifying fashion on Friday, clocking a personal best of 9.79 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres at the USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The Paris Olympic 200m silver medallist edged Courtney Lindsey (9.82) and T’Mars McCallum (9.83) in a thrilling finish, with all three set to represent the U.S. at the world championships in Tokyo this September. Defending champion Noah Lyles withdrew from the semis to focus on the 200m.

“I would say it’s about damn time,” said a jubilant Bednarek. “I’ve been second for a very long time. I always knew I had the ability to win it.”

In the women’s final, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden stunned the field with a blazing 10.65 seconds — the joint fifth-fastest time in history. Kayla White (10.84) and Aleia Hobbs (10.92) completed the podium in a dominant showing by American sprinters.