The road to the Tokyo Olympics lit up in Eugene as sprinter Tamari Jefferson-Wooden and long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall delivered sensational performances, setting new world-leading marks to book their tickets to Japan. In a meet brimming with intensity, the two American stars not only stamped their authority on the national stage but also sent a powerful warning to the rest of the world just weeks before the Olympic Games.
Jefferson-Wooden blazes to 100m world lead
Tamari Jefferson-Wooden, a name that has steadily risen in U.S. sprinting circles, stole the spotlight in the women’s 100m final. Exploding out of the blocks with flawless precision, she clocked a blistering 10.74 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year.
The Eugene crowd erupted as Jefferson-Wooden crossed the line, arms outstretched, knowing she had produced a statement performance.
Her time not only earned her a spot on the U.S. Olympic team but also moved her ahead of global rivals like Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, both expected to challenge for medals in Tokyo.
“It’s been a long grind to get here,” Jefferson-Wooden said post-race, beaming with pride. “I told myself today was about execution, and I feel like I did that perfectly. To run a world lead on this stage—it’s a blessing.”
Behind her, fellow American sprinters also put in strong displays, but Jefferson-Wooden’s dominance ensured she remains the headline act heading into Tokyo. Her combination of explosive starts and strong finishes now makes her one of the top medal favorites.
If Jefferson-Wooden’s 100m was electrifying, Tara Davis-Woodhall’s long jump was nothing short of breathtaking. The reigning NCAA record holder unleashed a massive leap of 7.19 meters, surpassing all competitors and claiming the world-leading mark of the season.
From her very first attempt, Davis-Woodhall looked in rhythm, but it was her fourth jump that sealed the deal. The Eugene crowd rose to its feet as officials confirmed the distance, making her jump not just the best of 2025 but one of the best in American history.
“This was the moment I had been working for,” Davis-Woodhall said. “To compete on home soil and hit a world lead before Tokyo—it gives me so much confidence. I feel like I haven’t even peaked yet.”
Her performance pushes her into the global spotlight, where she will now face a highly competitive international field, including Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and Nigeria’s Ese Brume.
Tokyo dreams secured
With their victories, both Jefferson-Wooden and Davis-Woodhall have now officially secured their places on Team USA for Tokyo. More importantly, their world-leading performances send a clear message: the Americans are coming to dominate.
For Jefferson-Wooden, the task ahead is to carry her blistering form onto the Olympic track, where the women’s 100m promises to be one of the most competitive races in years. For Davis-Woodhall, the goal is simple—maintain consistency and channel her big-meet energy on the global stage.
As the U.S. contingent prepares to head to Tokyo, Eugene will be remembered as the place where two women not only punched their tickets to the Games but also declared themselves ready for the world’s biggest stage.
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