Christian Coleman cruised to the men's 100-meter title at the U.S. championships in a final that Justin Gatlin elected to sit out.
Coleman blasted out of the starting blocks Friday night and couldn't be caught as the 23-year-old finished in 9.99 seconds. Michael Rodgers was second by thousandths of a second over Christopher Belcher. Both times flashed 10.12.
The 37-year-old Gatlin ran in the semifinal round, but his lane was empty for the final. He already had a guaranteed 100 spot for the world championships in Doha this fall, because he's the defending champion.
Allyson Felix waves to fans before her 400-meter dash heat at the U.S. Championships athletics meet, Friday, July 26, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP PhotoCharlie Neibergall)
Teahna Daniels used a strong surge midway through the race to win the women's 100 in 11.20 seconds. English Gardner was second and Morolake Akinosun third.
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Will Claye leaps to the pit during the men's triple jump at the U.S. Championships athletics meet, Friday, July 26, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP PhotoCharlie Neibergall)
Keni Harrison clears the final hurdle ahead of Sharika Nelvis, right, during a preliminary heat in the women's 100-meter hurdles at the U.S. Championships athletics meet, Friday, July 26, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP PhotoCharlie Neibergall)
Conor McCullough throws during the men's hammer throw at the U.S. Championships athletics meet, Friday, July 26, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP PhotoCharlie Neibergall)