As summer approaches, so do some exciting events in women’s sports. I compiled and researched a series of events in women’s sports this summer. I want to highlight these women’s phenomenal talent and dedication in their sports. I decided to include three local events – in Eugene, Oregon – for my readers who live here and should take advantage of Hayward in our backyard. Women’s sports have notoriously received a lack of attention and coverage, so I hope this blog inspires readers to change that. I have made learning about female track athletes easy by providing viewing information and highlighting athletes. Women belong in sports and deserve credit for their commitment to their prospective sports. Consciously choosing to watch women’s sports can help balance the attention and coverage of women’s sports.
Hayward Field will host the NCAA track and field championships in two weeks. The events will occur from June 8 to June 11 in Eugene, Oregon. The NCAA is coming in with the heat – and you can be there to see it in person. ESPN will broadcast the NCAA Track and Field Championship on ESPNU and ESPN3. Three Oregon female athletes have qualified for nationals in the 100-meter dash: Kemba Nelson, Jaydyn Mays, and Jasmine Montgomery. The men’s and women’s Oregon track teams won the PAC-12 Championships last weekend at Hayward Field. The women secured their first team win since the 2017 PAC-12 Championship. Some female athletes to look out for include the Texas A&M junior Lamara Distin. Distin’s best in the high jump is 6’5.5, and she won the West Regional championship this weekend with a leap of 5’11.25. Her win qualifies her for the NCAA Championship in two weeks. Another athlete is Stacey Ann William, a junior at the University of Texas. She won the BIG 12 Championship in May in 50.21 seconds. William’s also won the West Regional championship this weekend in 50.66 seconds. Texas has produced notably fast and strong female athletes this season. The current top 3 women’s schools in the Nation are the University of Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M. Last year, USC won the NCAA Track and Field title under coach Caryl Gilbert who’s now the head track coach for the Georgia Bulldogs.
After the collegiate championships, Hayward is hosting the USA Track & Field Championships (USATF) from June 23 to June 26. All events at the US Championships will be televised on NBC Sports gold or USATF.TV. Female track athletes who have already qualified and are listed include Quanera Hayes, an American Olympic athlete. Hayes won the 400 meters at the 2020 Olympic trials and is a gold medalist in the indoor and outdoor 4x400m world championships. She entered the competition with an entry 400-meter time of 49.78 seconds. Ashley Spencer is a 400-meter hurdler making her comeback from a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympic games in Rio. Spencer registered in the hurdle race with a time of 55.63 seconds. These women may also compete at the World Championships in Eugene just a month later. Hayward will host the 2022 World Championships from July 15 to July 24, bringing the best track & field athletes in the world to our college town. I am incredibly excited to attend these events and experience the talent Hayward magic is bringing us.