The U.S. Olympic Trials 10,000m was both thrilling and a source of confusion for many spectators.
While in most events, the top three earn their spot in Paris, this isn’t exactly the case (yet) in the women’s 10,000m. Currently, only Weini Kelati has guaranteed her spot in the Olympic 10,000m, while runner-up Parker Valby and third-place Karissa Schweizer will have to rely on the Road to Paris list, a confusing points-based rubric used by World Athletics to fill out start lists for the Games.
The Olympic 10,000m race has only 27 slots, and the automatic qualifying time is a blistering 30:40—a mark reached by only six Americans. Consequently, Valby and Schweizer need to qualify through world ranking, which is a realistic possibility.
the qualification period. Valby will have 1213 points after tonight’s race, adding to her 1221 points from a 30:50 at the Bryan Clay Invitational in April and 1205 points from her 31:41.56 finish tonight (1155 for the time plus 50 bonus points for placing 2nd in a Category B event).
Schweizer will have 1209 points, with 1218 from her 31:04 at The TEN in March and 1200 from her 31:41.56 tonight (1155 for the time plus 45 bonus points for finishing 3rd in a Category B event).
On the Road to Paris list, and excluding the injured Alicia Monson (who is currently injured), Valby and Schweizer are currently at #29 and #30, respectively, with only the top 27 advancing.
While this may not seem promising at first, two Americans ranked higher—Katize Izzo (qualified via cross country) and Elly Henes (world rank #27)—would be overtaken if USATF prioritizes the Trials finish order. This adjustment would position Valby and Schweizer at #27 and #28, respectively, making them likely candidates if there’s a single scratch.
Several factors suggest potential withdrawals among the top 27:
- Rahel Daniel of Eritrea has been inactive since February 2023.
- Sarah Lahti of Sweden had surgery recently and hasn’t raced since March.
- Britain’s three spots may not be fully utilized: Eilish McCoglan is recovering from injury, Jessica Warner-Judd has ended her season due to seizures, and Samantha Harrison has not yet competed this year.
The qualification window closes on Sunday, July 7, and will remain uncertain pending results from other national championships.
