EUGENE, Ore. — Three rising stars in American track and field will compete this week at the USA Track & Field U20 Outdoor Championships, held June 19—20 at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon…

EUGENE, Ore. — Three rising stars in American track and field will compete this week at the USA Track & Field U20 Outdoor Championships, held June 19—20 at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon…

 

This prestigious event brings together the country’s best under-20 athletes, many of whom are vying for a coveted place on Team USA for the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, later this summer.

Among the standout competitors are Akaoma Odeluga, Chris Caudillo, and Trent McFarland — each entering the meet with impressive credentials and aspirations for international glory.

Akaoma Odeluga – Shot Put (Ole Miss)

Akaoma Odeluga, a freshman at the University of Mississippi, enters the championships as one of the top contenders in the women’s shot put. She has already turned heads in 2024 with a U20 world-leading throw of 18.11 meters — the second-best mark ever by an American U20 athlete, behind only Olympic medalist Raven Saunders.

Odeluga continued her strong season by capturing silver at the U20 Championships with a throw of 16.59 meters, narrowly edged out by Gracelyn Leiseth’s winning mark of 16.65 meters. Her second-place finish secured her a spot on Team USA for the World U20 Championships in Peru. With her consistency and elite-level distance, Odeluga is expected to be a serious medal contender on the world stage.

Chris Caudillo – 1,500 Meters (Cal Poly)

Freshman Chris Caudillo of Cal Poly heads into Eugene as a rising star in the men’s 1,500-meter event. Caudillo, who hails from Clovis, California, qualified for the meet with an outstanding personal best of 3:41.68 at the Oxy Invitational — well under the U20 standard of 3:45.00.

His performance ranks among the fastest in Cal Poly history and highlights his potential at the national level. Caudillo, who earned Big West Freshman of the Year honors in both track and cross-country, will compete in Thursday’s final. A top-two finish would secure his ticket to Lima and mark a major step forward in his young career.

Trent McFarland – 1,500 Meters (University of Michigan)

Also competing in the men’s 1,500 meters is University of Michigan freshman Trent McFarland, who recently captured gold in the event at the U20 Championships with a time of 3:47.39. McFarland’s victory not only crowned him national champion but also secured his place on the U.S. roster for the World U20 Championships.

Part of a strong Michigan contingent, McFarland’s tactical racing and powerful finish showcased his readiness for international competition. His development as a middle-distance runner will be closely watched heading into Lima and beyond.

Road to Lima

The USA U20 Championships serve as the official selection meet for Team USA, with the top two finishers in each event — provided they meet qualifying standards — advancing to represent the country at the World U20 Championships in Peru from August 27–31.

With talent, focus, and the opportunity of a lifetime on the line, Odeluga, Caudillo, and McFarland are ready to prove themselves among the best young athletes in the world.