Photo by John Nepolitan (website)

EUGENE, Ore. – Carleton College alum Matt Wilkinson '21 won his heat in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the U.S. Olympic Trials and will race on Sunday for the chance to earn a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
 
Wilkinson was 13th off the line but 200 meters later was the initial runner over the first barrier. He led the rest of the way and posted a winning time of 8:20.61 despite racing in mid-80s temperatures at the University of Oregon's historic Hayward Field.
 
The steeplechase preliminary round included two heats with 14 racers—the top-five in each heat plus the next four fastest times—advancing to Sunday's finals slated to be held at 9:07 p.m. CDT/7:07 pm. PDT. That race will air on NBC and Peacock and live results will also be available. In most cases, the top-three finishers in the finals for each event at the U.S. Trials will qualify to compete at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics (July 26-August 11). Competitors must also meet the Olympic qualifying standard for their event (8:15.00 for the steeplechase) or be listed high enough in World Athletics' world rankings.
 

Watch 3000m steeplechase prelims on USA Network (Matt Wilkinson is in first heat)

 

Post-race interview with Matt Wilkinson (via FloTrack.org)