EUGENE, Ore. — Before the most competitive race of the Olympic Trials, Brianna Rollinsenvisioned she would be joined in the top three by Kristi Castlin and Nia Ali. Nobody else did, except for maybe Castlin and Ali.
The vision played out in the 100m hurdles final at Hayward Field. Rollins, Castlin and Ali made the Olympic team and shared a group hug after emerging from the deepest pool of talent from one nation in any track and field event.
Though all are Olympic rookies, and Castlin and Ali have little outdoor international acclaim, they are instantly favorites for gold, silver and bronze in Rio, for two reasons.