Kentucky track and field alumnae Alexis Holmes is heading to Paris, France, after qualifying for her first-ever Olympics. The class of 2022 graduate finished third in the 400 meters final, securing her spot on the Olympic team with a personal best time of 49.78.
Holmes’ Path to the Olympics
Holmes, a Connecticut native, showcased her exceptional talent and determination during the race. She ran a split of 23.90 through the first 200 meters, placing her in fifth position halfway through the race. Despite dropping to sixth place by the 300-meter mark at 36.49, Holmes executed a remarkable final 100 meters, overtaking three competitors to capture third place at the finish line and earn her Olympic berth.
Keaton Daniel’s Near Miss
In other events, senior Keaton Daniel narrowly missed out on Olympic qualification in the men’s pole vault final. The NCAA champion delivered an impressive performance, setting a new personal best of 19’1″/5.82 meters. Despite his valiant effort, Daniel was unable to clear the height needed to secure a spot in Paris.
Upcoming Events
Day four of the USATF Olympic Team Trials continues tomorrow evening, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. Micaela Hazlewood-Lewis will compete in the women’s discus throw qualifier, aiming to join Holmes on the Olympic team.
Holmes’ Achievement
Holmes’ achievement marks a significant milestone in her athletic career, reflecting her hard work and dedication. As she prepares to represent the United States in Paris, the Kentucky track and field community celebrates her success and looks forward to her performance on the world stage.
Event Schedule
| June 23 | Time | Round | Status |
| Men’s Pole Vault | 8:45 p.m. | FINAL | 4. Keaton Daniel: 19’1”/5.82m | PR |
| Men’s 100m | 8:48 p.m. | Semifinals | 11. Ronnie Baker (Vol. Coach): 9.98 (+2.6) |
| Men’s 400m | 9:35 p.m. | Semifinals | 15. Brian Faust ’23: 45.4127. Kennedy Lightner: 47.88 |
| Men’s Javelin Throw | 9:40 p.m. | FINAL | 12. Ethan Shalaway ’18: 202’6”/61.73m |
| Women’s 400m | 9:58 p.m. | FINAL | 3. Alexis Holmes ’22: 49.78 | PR |
| June 24 | Time | Round | Status | TV |
| Women’s Discus Throw | 8:00 p.m. | Qualifier | Micaela Hazlewood-Lewis ‘19 | NBC/Peacock |
| Men’s 110mH | 8:05 p.m. | First Round | Daniel Roberts ‘19 | NBC/Peacock |
| Women’s High Jump | 8:15 p.m. | FINAL | Charity Hufnagel | NBC/Peacock |
| June 27 | Time | Round | Status | TV |
| Women’s Discus Throw | 7:55 p.m. | FINAL | Micaela Hazlewood-Lewis ‘19 | NBC/Peacock |
| Men’s 110mH | 8:01 p.m. | Semifinals | Daniel Roberts ‘19 | NBC/Peacock |
| Women’s 200m | 8:51 p.m. | First Round | Abby Steiner ‘22 | NBC/Peacock |
| Women’s Long Jump | 9:18 p.m. | Qualifier | Sha’keela Saunders ‘17 | Peacock/ USA |
| Men’s Discus Throw | 9:45 p.m. | Qualifier | Andrew Evans ‘14 | Peacock/USA |
| Women’s 400mH | 9:49 p.m. | First Round | Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (2017-18) | Peacock/USA |
| Men’s 200m | 10:33 p.m. | First Round | Kennedy Lightner | Peacock/ USA |
| June 28 | Time | Round | Status | TV |
| Women’s 100mH | 8:28 p.m. | First Round | Keni Harrison ‘15Masai Russell ‘23 | Peacock/USA |
| Women’s 200m | 10:06 p.m. | Semifinals | Abby Steiner ‘22 | NBC/Peacock |
| Men’s 200m | 10:28 p.m. | Semifinals | Kennedy Lightner | NBC/Peacock |
| Men’s 110mH | 10:50 p.m. | FINAL | Daniel Roberts ‘19 | NBC/Peacock |
| June 29 | Time | Round | Status | TV |
| Men’s Discus Throw | 7:30 p.m. | FINAL | Andrew Evans ‘14 | Peacock |
| Women’s 100mH | 8:04 p.m. | Semifinals | Keni Harrison ‘15Masai Russell ‘23 | NBC/Peacock |
| Women’s Long Jump | 8:20 p.m. | FINAL | Sha’keela Saunders ‘17 | NBC/Peacock |
| Women’s 200m | 8:27 p.m. | FINAL | Abby Steiner ‘22 | NBC/Peacock |
| Women’s 400mH | 8:41 p.m. | Semifinals | Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (2017-18) | NBC/Peacock |
| Men’s 200m | 9:49 p.m. | FINAL | Kennedy Lightner | NBC/Peacock |
| June 30 | Time | Round | Status | TV |
| Women’s 100mH | 8:00 p.m. | FINAL | Keni Harrison ‘15Masai Russell ‘23 | NBC/Peacock |
| Women’s 400mH | 8:29 p.m. | FINAL | Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (2017-18) | NBC/Peacock |
Event Results
| June 21 | Time | Round | Status |
| Women’s Hammer Throw | Qualifier | 20. Kate Powers: 206’7”/62.98m | |
| Men’s 400m | First Round | 8. Kennedy Lightner: 45.17Q | PR22. Brian Faust ’23: 45.58Q | |
| Men’s Javelin Throw | Qualifier | 10. Ethan Shalaway ’18: 231’1”/70.44m(Q) | |
| Women’s 400m | First Round | 6. Alexis Holmes ’22: 51.05Q24. Jania Martin: 52.12q | |
| Men’s Pole Vault | Qualifier | 4. Keaton Daniel: 18’8.25”/5.70m | |
| Women’s 100m | First Round | 10. Celera Barnes ’21: 11.06Q (+0.4)17. Abby Steiner ’22: 11.13Q (+0.4)18. Javianne Oliver ’17: 11.15Q (+0.9) | SB | |
| June 22 | Time | Round | Status |
| Women’s High Jump | Qualifier | T-1. Charity Hufnagel: 6’0”/1.83m (q) | |
| Women’s 100m | Semifinals | 10. Celera Barnes ’21: 11.12 (+0.4)22. Javianne Oliver ’17: 11.31 (+0.4)Abby Steiner – scratched | |
| Men’s 100m | First Round | 14. Ronnie Baker (Vol. Coach): 10.15 (-0.1)Q | |
| Women’s 400m | Semifinals | 6. Alexis Holmes ’22: 50.19q | PR22. Jania Martin: 52.34 | |
