EUGENE, Ore. – At the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, there was pre-race speculation Lynna Irby-Jackson would win the 400 meters.
In 2024, no one thought that. Well, one did.
“I saw myself winning it,” Irby-Jackson said. “I know that ‘49’ is in there. I’m excited to keep racing and dig deeper and go get it.”
Irby-Jackson, the former Pike High School sprinter, was sixth in the 400 three years ago in 50.35 seconds. She went on to win two relay medals at Tokyo.
It is doubtful, although not inconceivable, that she will run in a second Olympics in Paris. The top six customarily are chosen by USA Track & Field for relay pools, especially with the introduction of the mixed 4×400 (two men, two women).
Irby-Jackson, after winning a semifinal in 50.17 on June 22, was seventh in the final a day later in 50.74. Seventh place makes her chances of selection “iffy,” she said.
“If Team USA calls, obviously, I’ll answer, wherever they want me. If not, no hard feelings. We still have the rest of the season to continue our journey.”