Athletics Stats: USA records in track and field events
The United States has a strong history in the field of athletics and is recognized as one of the dominant forces in the world. The country’s athletes have consistently produced extraordinary performances in international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships. From track and field events to marathons, American athletes have been setting world records and earning medals.
Historic figures like Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee have left lasting impressions on the sport and become icons not only for their athletic prowess but also for their character and influence off the track. Continuing their legacy, Tyson Gay and Michael Johnson continued this tradition of excellence in events. In the recent past, new sprinters have emerged who have taken the world by storm. They are none other than Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, Trayvon Bromell, Marvin Bracy, and teen sensation Erriyon Knighton. While Ryan Crouser is a name that is recognized globally for his prowess in the men’s shot put.
In the women’s division, Florence Griffith Joyner and Allyson Felix stand out. Joyner’s dominance was such that the 100m and 200m records that she set in 1988 are yet to be touched. On the other hand, Felix is the most decorated track and field history from the USA in the history of the Olympic Games, having claimed seven gold, three silver, and one bronze.
USA records in various Olympics Athletics competitions
With the 2023 World Athletics Championships a month away, the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 2023 have been organized by the USA Track & Field (USATF) organization. This will serve as the national championships in track and field for the United States athletes and the ones who perform well will represent at this year’s World Championships in Budapest. As the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 2023 got underway on July 6 and will continue till July 9, 2023, let’s take a look at the USA records in track and field events.
Who are the USA record holders in track and field events?
| Event | Men | Men’s Record | Women | Women’s Record |
| 100 m | Tyson Gay | 9.69 (+2.0 m/s) | Florence Griffith Joyner | 10.49 (0.0 m/s) |
| 200 m | Noah Lyles | 19.31 (+0.4 m/s) | Florence Griffith Joyner | 21.34 (+1.3 m/s) |
| 400 m | Michael Johnson | 43.18 | Sanya Richards | 48.7 |
| 800 m | Donavan Brazier | 1:42.34 | Athing Mu | 1:55.04 |
| 1500 m | Bernard Lagat | 3:27.40 | Shelby Houlihan | 3:54.99 |
| 5000 m | Grant Fisher | 12:46.96 | Shelby Houlihan | 14:23.92 |
| 10000 m | Galen Rupp | 26:44.36 | Molly Huddle | 30:13.17 |
| Marathon | Khalid Khannouchi, Ryan Hall | 2:05:38, 2:04:58 (downhill point-to-point course) | Deena Kastor | 2:19:36 |
| 110 m hurdles/ 100 m hurdles | Aries Merritt | 12.80 (+0.3 m/s) | Kendra Harrison | 12.20 (+0.3 m/s) |
| 400 m hurdles | Rai Benjamin | 46.17 | Sydney McLaughlin | 50.68 |
| 3000 m steeplechase | Evan Jager | 8:00.45 | Courtney Frerichs | 8:57.77 |
| High jump | Charles Austin | 2.40 m | Chaunté Lowe | 2.05 m (6 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
| Pole vault | Sam Kendricks, KC Lightfoot | 6.06 m, 6.07 m (subject to ratification) | Sandi Morris | 5.00 m |
| Long jump | Mike Powell | 8.95 m | Jackie Joyner-Kersee | 7.49 m, 7.49 m |
| Triple jump | Christian Taylor | 18.21 m | Tori Franklin | 14.84 m |
| Shot put | Ryan Crouser | 23.37 m | Michelle Carter | 20.63 m |
| Discus throw | Ben Plucknett | 71.32 m, 72.34 m (disqualified by doping test, but ratified by USATF) | Valarie Allman | 70.15 m |
| Hammer throw | Rudy Winkler | 82.71 m | DeAnna Price | 80.31 m |
| Javelin throw | Breaux Greer | 91.29 m | Kara Patterson | 66.67 m |
| Decathlon | Ashton Eaton | 9045 pts | Jackie Joyner-Kersee | 7291 pts |
| 20 km walk (road) | Timothy Seaman, Tim Lewis | 1:22:02, 1:21:48 (short distance) | Maria Michta | 1:30:49 |
| 50 km walk (road) | Curt Clausen | 3:48:04 | – | – |
| 4 × 100 m relay | Christian Coleman, Justin Gatlin, Mike Rodgers, Noah Lyles | 37.1 | Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight, Carmelita Jeter | 40.82 |
| 4 × 400 m relay | Andrew Valmon, Quincy Watts, Butch Reynolds, Michael Johnson | 2:54.29 | Denean Howard, Diane Dixon,Valerie Brisco, Florence Griffith Joyner | 3:15.51 |
