American sprinter McKenzie Long is taking a measured approach to her 2025 season, choosing composure over pressure as she continues her development on the international stage.
At the Paris Diamond League, Long clocked a season-best 22.49 seconds (+0.9), finishing third behind Britain’s Amy Hunt (22.45) and American winner Anavia Battle (22.27).
Rather than focusing on results alone, Long emphasized her mindset going into the race.
“I go overseas so I really just want to, like, relax instead of pressing the gun,” she said after the race. “Just focus on how I run. That’s really what I did. I tried to relax.”
Long’s performance was impressive not only for the time she ran but also for the fact that she’s still new to the 200m.
“I’ve only run the 200 three times,” she revealed. “So that was my third time running it. I’m progressing the way I want to.”
U.S. Trials is fast approaching in Eugene, Oregon, from July 31 to August 3. McKenzie Long is staying focused on sharpening her form. She has her eyes set on both the 100m and 200m events, hoping to earn a spot on Team USA for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
“We have trials soon, and rounds coming up, so I’m very happy,” she said.
Meanwhile, her next and final race before the Trials will be the 9th annual Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis, Tennessee, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event.
“I have one more, going to the Ed Murphey meet in Memphis, which is in the States. Then I’m just getting ready for trials after that,” she said.