Elite Fields Assembling In Florida In Second Journey To Gold - Tokyo Series Meet

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

There is ample star power lining up Saturday for the Miramar Invitational, the second date on the USATF's Journey To Gold - Tokyo series, but at the top of the bill is a 110-meter hurdles rematch between Grant Holloway and Daniel Roberts. 

For the first time since 2019, the two American standouts will have an opportunity to race. 

Holloway has been busy in 2021 already, breaking the world record in the 60-meter hurdles. 

For Roberts, it'll be his first 110-meter hurdles race since a disqualification kept him out of the World Athletics final in Doha in 2019. 

Earlier, Roberts beat Holloway in the USATF Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. That was, of course, after Holloway edged Roberts in an epic NCAA final in Austin, Texas. 

WATCH THE MIRAMAR INVITATIONAL LIVE ON USATF.TV (RunnerSpace +PLUS subscription required)

Elite athletes will be assembling on the track at Ansin Sports Complex as well as the field. 

In the women's hurdles, world-record holder Keni Harrison will return to the 100-meter hurdles for the first time since Doha. She'll face Gabriele Cunningham, who ran 12.90 at the Raleigh Relays (No. 5 in the world this year), and also sisters Cindy Sember and Tiffany Porter, the 2021 European Indoor silver and bronze medalists (60-meter hurdles) from Great Britain. 

Justin Gatlin, now 39 years old, is set to race in the 100-meter dash for the first time since last August. The five-time Olympic medalist is seeking one final opportunity to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games. 

Gatlin faces a talented young group of aspiring sprinters, such as Cameron Burrell, Cravon Gillespie and Marvin Bracy. 

Matthew Centrowitz, the Olympic champion in the 1,500 meters, is expected to make his season debut in either the 800 meters or the 1,500 meters.

Jamaica's double gold medalist from the 2016 Rio Games, Elaine Thompson, is entered in the 200 meters, where she will face young prodigy Briana Williams, Jenna Prandini, Kyra Jefferson and Candace Hill. 

Tori Bowie, the Olympic silver medalist in the 100, is getting back into shape again and has only raced once since 2019. She opened March 27 with a wind-aided 11.46 at The Florida International meet. 

Bowie will be joined by 2019 NCAA champion Sha'Carri Richardson, Teahna Daniels, English Gardner, Dezerea Bryant and Kiara Parker. 

Shamier Little, looking to keep momentum going after her career best and world-leading time of 50.19, is returning to the 400 meters. 

Ajee' Wilson, Ce'Aira Brown and Natoye Goule are on the start list for the women's 800 meters. 

In the women's shot put, Raven Saunders, Maggie Ewen and Jessica Ramsey are set to reprise their competition from American Track League #4, where all three threw 63-11.75 (19.50m) or better. 

The men's 200 meters is notable for high schooler Jaylen Slade of IMG Academy stepping up to take on an elite field that includes Fred Kerley, a World bronze medalist in the 400 meters, and Kenny Bednarek. 

Michael Cherry, Kahmari Montgomery, Quincy Hall and 19-year-old Justin Robinson, who was the world leader in 2020 (44.91). 

Kenny Selmon and Amere Lattin, who finished 1-2 last week at the USATF Sprint Summit in Prairie View, Texas, are going head-to-head again in the 400-meter hurdles. Selmon's 48.87 last week is the world-leading time. 

Three of the top American high jumpers, Shelby McEwen, Trey Culver and reigning U.S. champion Jeron Robinson, are set to compete for the first time since the New Balance Grand Prix in February. Culver jumped a personal-best 7-7.75 (2.33m) to win that day.

Marquise Goodwin of the Philadelphia Eagles, a 2012 Olympian in the long jump, is continuing to make a comeback in the sport after a five-year absence. Goodwin jumped March 27 at The Florida International meet and went 26-7.75 (8.12m). 

This time he'll take on Marquis Dendy, who is making his outdoor debut.

The women's long jump field includes 2019 NCAA champion Yanis David (France), Jasmine Todd and 2016 Olympic champion Tianna Bartoletta.