Arizona's Freddie Crittenden heads to U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Freddie Crittenden, an elite hurdler from Arizona, prepares for the U. S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships scheduled for July 31 to August 3 in Eugene, Oregon. He aims to qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, leveraging his personal best of 12. 93 seconds and his current ranking of No.

9 in the world. Despite financial issues plaguing the Grand Slam Track league, which has delayed payments to athletes like him, Crittenden remains focused on his training and ambitions. His coach, Tim O'Neil, expressed optimism about Crittenden's chances, noting the strength of U. S. talent in the 110-meter hurdles.

Crittenden’s achievements over the past year include qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics and signing with Adidas, alongside welcoming a new child. He is determined to set a personal best, with his eyes on the world record of 12. 80 seconds set by Aries Merritt. Crittenden stated, "I’m definitely looking to PBing... I feel like I’m seasoned, I’m experienced.

" As he prepares for the championship, the hurdles event remains highly competitive, with five of the top ten ranked athletes hailing from the United States.