Tara Davis-Woodhall Advances, Crittenden Gamble Works: Aug.6 Morning Recap

On Day 5 of in-stadia Olympic track action, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Freddie Crittenden both advanced to Finals . Check out our full recap.

Aug 6, 2024 by Harry Prevor

Tara Davis-Woodhall Advances, Crittenden Gamble Works: Aug.6 Morning Recap

The fifth morning session of in-stadia action is behind us, and even though no medals were awarded there were a number of surprises. We've covered it all live for you, but for those not interested in the play-by-play from this morning here are the big takeaways.

All Americans Advance in the Women's 1500m Quarter-finals

Nobody was caught by surprise this year.

Last year, the sub-4:00 first-round 1500s were historically fast, catching some Americans like Nikki Hiltz off-guard. This year they were still historically fast, but the American contingent was historically fit as all three were able to automatically advance with no need for the repechage.

The three Americans were all in different heats, meaning there was no friendly fire in this first round and we'll have to wait until the semis to see who is most likely to medal. Nonetheless, Hiltz, Elle St. Pierre, and Emily Mackay all got the auto-Qs with strong tactical performances.

Hiltz says after the race, "It was all about patience... It's been a lot of patience the past month." "I get so excited for the rounds because it's a game out there". St. Pierre said she can hardly hear Lewis Johnson over the stadium roar. "The crowd really carries you", she says. "Every race you learn something from. Being in Tokyo before I definitely learned a lot." Mackay said "I was ready to run sub-4 today" and that she wasn't surprised to see her race go fast.

The heats were won in times of 3:58.84 (Gudaf Tsegay), 3:59.73 (Diribe Welteji), and 4:02.67 (Nelly Chepchirchir). World record holders Faith Kipyegon and Jess Hull looked strong coasting to the finish line in their heats, not concerned about getting the wins yet in this early stage.

Freddie Crittenden Plays the Repechage Like a Fiddle

To those that say track is a game of pure fitness that lacks tactics -- tell them to watch Freddie Crittenden's first-round 110mH two days ago, which he finished in a choice 18 seconds (six seconds off his best of 12.9). By failing to advance on purpose, Crittenden gave himself two extra days of rest to the repechage, and his gamble paid off this morning with a fresh semifinal berth.

"Crazy is not even the word," Crittenden said after the race to Lewis Johnson. "Team USA medical staff is the best in the world." He hit the first hurdle, but it made no difference in the end. "I wanted to make sure I got out hard", he said. He kept going and led the qualifiers in 13.42.

Tara Davis-Woodhall Gets It Done After Safe First Jump

At the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials in June, Davis-Woodhall left it late in the first round, giving the crowd a scare as she fouled her first two jumps.

She was determined to not let it play out that way in the Olympic first round, and she succeeded with a "safe" first jump leaping 14.8cm behind the line. She was able to improve on that in her second-round jump, posting the best mark of all qualifiers with a 6.90m leap.

"The first one was a little rocky", Davis told Lewis Johnson after her performance. "I've never seen this many people in the stands before." Asked about her though process, Davis said, "First jump let's get one in... We just have fun from there." Her husband Hunter Woodhall will be arriving in Paris in a few weeks to compete in the Paralympic Games, and Davis said she will be there and was lucky to be in Paris.

All three Americans ended up advancing in the women's long jump, with Jasmine Moore (6.66m) taking the 6th spot overall and Monae Nichols (6.64m) placing 8th in qualification.

The 400m & 400mH Repechages Were Friendly to Americans

Two American athletes that had subpar performances in their one-lap first rounds -- Kendall Ellis in the women's 400m and Trevor Bassitt in the men's 400mH -- both had great mornings as they significantly improved to advance.

Bassit claimed to have been caught off-guard in his performance yesterday in which he played 23rd. In any other Olympics, his trip would be over. But in Paris, he had another shot, which he took advantage of to win his heat in 48.64. His time led the repechage, but even compared to the other quarterfinal performances it would place him tied for 12th overall.

"Just control the controllables. Yesterday I was caught off guard with the whole process", Bassit told Lewis Johnson. "A medal, sub-47, that's the goal. I didn't do myself any favors yesterday, but it's good, we're still alive, that's what matters", Bassitt said.

Likewise, American Kendall Ellis had a surprising first-round result after a great Olympic Trials showing. But she bounced back to win her repechage heat and post the fastest repechage time overall in 50.44.

"Yesterday wasn't a good representation of myself or who I am", Ellis said. "I was so down yesterday. I wasn't even going to run the round today. I was out, I was done." She was thankful for her support network: "They carried me to the line today".

Neeraj Chopra is Back to Lead the Javelin Qs

The most popular track and field athlete in the world, 2020 Olympic javelin winner Neeraj Chopra for India, was in fine form this morning as he led the javelin qualifiers in 89.34m, getting it done on just his first throw. Behind him, a South American record was set by Luiz Mauiricio Da Silva of Brazil who threw 85.91m to place 4th overall.

When Are The Paris 2024 Olympic Games?

The Olympics begin on July 26 and end on August 11. The track and field events will begin on Aug. 1.

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