USATF Announces 50 Athletes for IAAF World Indoor Championships Roster

By Adam Kopet

USATF released its roster Tuesday for the IAAF World Indoor Championships, to be held March 1-4 in Birmingham, England.

The men's team is led by Christian Coleman and his pending world record in the 60 meters. His time of 6.34 seconds is 0.05 seconds faster than the previous record. Ronnie Baker also has a strong 60 meters. He finished second at the USATF Indoor Championships in a time of 6.40 seconds.

The women's team is led by hurdlers Sharika Nelvis and Keni Harrison. At the USATF Indoor Championships, Nelvis broke the American record in the 60-meter hurdles, running 7.70 seconds. Harrison was close behind, equaling her personal best of 7.72 seconds.

The women's team also includes two strong pole vaulters in Katie Nageotte and Sandi Morris. The pair have the two highest clearances in the world this season, with Nageotte clearing a world-leading 16-1.25 (4.91m) at the USATF Indoor Championships.

Also in the jumps, the pair of Jarrion Lawson and Marquis Dendy could make a strong showing in Birmingham. They are both ranked in the top five in the world this season.

In the middle distances, both men's and women's 800-meter squads are formidable. Donavan Brazier and Drew Windle are both ranked top five in the world. Ajee' Wilson and Raevyn Rogers rank in the top eight for the women. Although Wilson's relay split from the world record 4x800 relay Feb. 3 at the NYRR Millrose Games would be a world-leading mark had it been run in an open race.

The middle distances provided the only two-event winners at the USATF Indoor Championships. Both Paul Chelimo and Shelby Houlihan won the 1,500 and 3,000 meters. Chelimo has dropped the 1,500 and will only race the 3,000 in Birmingham. However, at this time, Houlihan is listed in both events and appears to be doubling.