Olympic Aug 8 AM Recap: Chase Jackson's Olympics Are Over, US Relays A-OK

Anna Hall cruised through her first two events. U.S. relay teams qualify. Chase Jackson's 2024 Olympic dreams are over.

Aug 8, 2024 by Harry Prevor

Olympic Aug 8 AM Recap: Chase Jackson's Olympics Are Over, US Relays A-OK

The seventh morning session of in-stadia action is behind us, and dozens of crucial semi-final and final spots were doled out to top performers. 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.

Chase Jackson, Chari Hawkins Out

This morning, the field of six Americans still in contention in the women's shot put and heptathlon has whittled down to four.

In the shot, Tokyo silver medalist Raven Saunders launched an 18.62m put on their third attempt while Jaida Ross's 18.58m first round throw was enough to place top 12 and move through. But after two fouls for Chase Jackson, she was forced to play it safe on her final throw to get a mark on the board.

It was a white flag, but it wasn't enough -- the 17.60m throw was only good for 17th overall, ending her Olympic journey.

Meanwhile in the heptathlon, Anna Hall was the star of the show, maintaining in the 100mH and placing top-3 in the high jump behind only Nafi Thiam and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Behind them in the opening heights, American Chari Hawkins passed 1.56m, 1.59m, 1.62m, 1.65m, and 1.68m to open at 1.71m. Passing heights is typical in the heptathlon when conserving energy is crucial. But after failing attempts, she was put in a tough position as she couldn't bring the bar back down and ultimately was the only athlete to no-height, scoring 0 points. She may choose to continue with the competition, but she won't be in podium contention.

Team USA 4x100m Relays Get The Stick Around To Qualify, Jamaica Men Are Out

Coming into these relay heats, all eyes were on Team USA which, despite having strong individual sprinters, had historically failed to get it together for the Olympic 4x100m, flubbing baton passes or not putting together their best legs.

The Americans silenced some of their critics Thursday morning, as the teams both won their heats in dominating fashion.

In the women's heats, team USA went all-out with a star-studded squad of Melissa Jefferson, TeeTee Terry, Gabby Thomas, and Sha'carri Richardson. Richardson actually didn't have the lead on the final exchange, but there was enough space for her to glide to the winning position and easily win in 41.94, helped by a 9.99 running-start anchor from Sha'Carri. The Jamaican team of Alana Reid, Kemba Nelson, Shashalee Forbes, and Tia Clayton didn't include either Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce or Shericka Jackson, who withdrew from their individual races.

On the men's side, the team of Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King, and Courtney Lindsey got it done with a comfortable cushion. Noah Lyles is expected to substitute in the finals, although it would have been nice to see him run this morning after news broke out that he was attended to by the medical team following his 200m round. Kerley's 8.98 split on the 2nd leg was blazing considering he appeared to play it safe to make sure he got the stick from Coleman.

Not so lucky were the Jamaican team of Ackeem Blake, Jelani Walker, Jehlani Gordon, and Kishane Thompson. Thompson looked like he was in striking distance on the final leg, but he just didn't have it and they finished 4th, without a time fast enough to make it to the finals.

Brandon Miller Puts On A Front-Running Show, Saved By Repechage

As the only American not to advance from the first round of the men's 800m, many were concerned about Brandon Miller's chances going into this last-chance repechage round to qualify for the semifinals. Placed in the final heat and not wanting to risk it, he led wire to wire, winning in 1:44.21 which was the fastest time of the round by far. By making his heat fast, both time qualifiers came behind him. He'll return for the semifinals alongside Bryce Hoppel and Hobbs Kessler.

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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