Nike professionals battle strong headwinds to secure sprint crowns; American men and women sending four individuals to World Championships based on Gatlin, Bowie winning 2017 gold medals

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

DES MOINES – They both wished the direction of the 100-meter dash finals was changed to provide a favorable tailwind, instead of a challenging headwind, but regardless of the circumstances, Nike professionals Christian Coleman and Teahna Daniels remained right on course Friday at the Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships.

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Coleman, a second-year pro after capturing the Bowerman Award at Tennessee, ran 9.99 seconds to secure his first national outdoor title after winning the 60-meter indoor crown last year.

Daniels, who donned the Nike kit for the first time in Thursday’s prelims at Drake Stadium, clocked 11.20 seconds to become the first Texas athlete since Carlette Guidry in 1991 to capture a national title. English Gardner, the 2013 and 2016 champion, placed second in 11.25 and another former Texas standout, Morolake Akinosun took third in 11.28.

“It was surreal, I can’t even put into words how I feel,” Daniels said. “It’s all about places at this point, it’s not about time. It’s all about gold medals.”

Daniels earned one July 5 at the North American Central American and Caribbean (U-23) Championships in Queretaro, Mexico, capturing her first individual international gold after previous contributing to 4x100 relay titles at the U-20 level in 2014 and 2015.

With Friday’s victory, Daniels now has achieved individual championships at the U-20, NCAA and U.S. senior levels.

“(It was about) lots of hard work and never putting doubt in myself. I’ve always believed in myself,” Daniels said. “I just listened to my coach (Edrick Floreal) and understanding what he wants me to do. And like I said earlier, the goal was always October. I’ve just got to keep this momentum going.”

Coleman produced his fifth sub-10 effort of the year, with Mike Rodgers (10.114) edging Christopher Belcher (10.120) for second.

“It’s pretty amazing. It’s crazy to think about because I’ve never won this event even though I’ve accomplished some things in my short career, so it’s always a blessing, you never take it for granted anytime you compete at a U.S. Championship and getting the gold for the first time,” Coleman said. “Hopefully, I can get many more titles in the future, but this is a big one coming here and making the World team.”

Justin Gatlin, who receives a bye to the IAAF World Championships based on his gold medal in 2017 to give the Americans four entries, clocked 10.16 in the semifinals but didn’t compete in the final.

Gatlin will be competing in his sixth World Championships and fifth consecutive. Rodgers will be appearing in his fifth World Championships and fourth straight, with Coleman his second in a row.

The American women will also have four individual entries based on Tori Bowie winning the gold medal in 2017 in London.