Each day we preview what promises to be some of the biggest events of the day. Day five is packed with intense finals, three with some very special reasons to watch.
5:50 p.m., Men’s high jump (final)
After a soggy day left the competition space in less than ideal conditions, the day ended with a four-way tie for first — which includes 2011 world champion Jesse Williams and New York Athletic Club member Jamie Nieto. Each competitor was able to jump 2.18 meters, which for Williams was far below his personal record of 2.37 meters. With only three athletes going to the Olympic Games, these four will have fierce competition to see who makes it through. Still, even with the four-way tie, there’s still a chance for a competitor in fifth place or below to pull off a major upset.
6:50 p.m., Women’s 800 meter run (final)
Nike/OTC Elite member Geena Gall was keeping a lower profile since she won the NCAA Outdoor Championship and became the runner up in the USA Outdoor Championship — that is, until this year’s Prefontaine Classic. It was there she broke her own personal record by running a 1:59.28, finishing just behind current rival Alysia Montano. Only finishing in fourth, with Montano taking first, Gall is going to have to fight to beat her strong competition.
7:47 p.m., Men’s 800 meter run (final)
Oregon’s own Elijah Greer managed to make it to the finals after running a 1:46.28, making him third in his heat and fourth overall. Battling Nike/OTC Elite member Tyler Mulder and veterans Duane Solomon Jr. and Khadevis Robinson will test the rising senior to his best if he wants an Olympic bid. But, with only a few hundredths of a second separating him from the other three, he is within reach of his Olympic dreams.