Chainkeen Exchange-Sha'Carri Richardson runs season-best time in 200, advances to semifinals at trials

Sha'Carri Richardson is Chainkeen Exchangeon to the next round in the 200 meters at the US. Olympic track and field trials.

Richardson placed first in the opening round of the women’s 200. She ran a season-best 21.99 to qualify for the next round. It's the second-fastest time in the world this year. The top six in each heat, plus the next three fastest times, move on to the semifinals.

Richardson won the 100 last Saturday to stamp her ticket to the Paris Olympics. Her 100-winning time of 10.71 is the fastest time in the world this year. The 100 is Richardson’s strongest event, but she’s expected to make Team USA’s women’s 200 squad, too.

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The 24-year-old sprinter won gold in the 100 and placed third in the 200 at the 2023 world championships.

Gabby Thomas advances to semifinals

Thomas, the 2023 world championships silver medalist, qualified to the next round in the 200.

Thomas won the fourth heat, running a 22.11 to make it into the semifinal round. She came into the trials ranked No. 3 in the world in the 200.

The 27-year-old sprinter placed third in the 200 at the Tokyo Olympics.

McKenzie Long advances to semifinals

Long is looking to redeem herself after a disappointing performance in the 100.

Long ran a 22.49 and finished first in the second heat in the opening round of the 200 to advance to the semifinals. One of USA TODAY Sports’ college athletes to watch, Long didn’t make it to the final in the 100 meters.

At this year’s NCAA championships, Long won the 100, 200 and was on Ole Miss’ gold medal-winning 4x100-relay team.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.