Rogers Charges Ahead to USATF 800 Final: A Spectacular Showcase by University of Oregon Athletics

EUGENE, Ore. — Raevyn Rogers is ready for the finals in the women’s 800 meters at the 2025 Toyota USATF Championships. She secured her spot with a time of 1:58.78 during the semifinals. This performance puts her in a good position for the final on Sunday at 1:18 p.m. PT, broadcasted on NBC.

Rogers has previously qualified for the World Championships three times (2019, 2022, and 2023) and even finished as a runner-up in 2019. Her best time this season is 1:58.49, marked during last month’s Prefontaine Classic.

In other highlights from Friday’s events, Jenna Prandini and English Gardner competed in the 100-meter final, finishing eighth and ninth with times of 11.11 and 11.17, respectively. This was Gardner’s first final since 2019. Just missing the quick pace, Jadyn Mays finished her semifinal with a time of 11.15, just shy of advancing.

The day wrapped up with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden winning the national title in a swift 10.65 seconds, tying for the fifth-fastest time in the event’s history.

Looking ahead, Prandini, Mays, and Kyree King are set to compete in the 200 meters on Sunday, which will be run in two rounds.

Damarcus Simpson, a two-time Pac-12 long jump champion, finished 10th with a best jump of 7.81m on his final attempt.

The USATF Outdoor Championships are not just about national glory. They also determine the team for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set for September 13-21.

Day Three UO Schedule (PT)

• 12:40 p.m. – 100m Hurdles (W), First Round: Alaysha Johnson, Aaliyah McCormick
• 12:45 p.m. – Triple Jump (W), Final: Ryann Porter
• 12:50 p.m. – Shot Put (W), Final: Jaida Ross
• 12:50 p.m. – Pole Vault (M), Final: Cole Walsh
• 2:14 p.m. – 1500 Meters (M), Final: Cole Hocker, Sam Prakel
• 2:25 p.m. – 100m Hurdles (W), Final: TBA
• 2:49 p.m. – Steeplechase (M), Final: Benjamin Balazs

In the world of athletics, performances at championships can shift the dynamics of national and international competitions. According to a recent survey from the National Sporting Goods Association, running has seen a steady increase in participants, highlighting the sport’s growth. More athletes than ever are competing, whether for medals or personal bests, fostering a lively atmosphere at events like these.

Fans on social media are buzzing about the championships, sharing their support with hashtags like #USATFChampionships and #RoadToTokyo2025. It’s a reminder that track and field is not just about competition; it’s about community.

For more updates on Oregon cross country and track and field, you can follow @OregonTF on social media platforms.

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