Abby Steiner chases prime opportunity in 200m at World Track and Field Championships

Abby Steiner has already enjoyed a whirlwind year ahead of her debut in the World Track & Field Championships next week in Eugene, Oregon.

The 22-year-old Steiner, who hails from Dublin, Ohio, recently finished off her college career at Kentucky in June, winning the 200m NCAA title in Eugene with a time of 21.80 and setting a new collegiate record. She followed up two weeks later in a test with the pros at the USATF Championships and posted a new personal best at the same track with a 21.77, earning her spot on the U.S. team at worlds.

“The main focus was just to come away with a win, make the team,” said Steiner, whose performance took the world lead until Shericka Jackson ran 21.55 the same day at the Jamaican Championships. “It was nice having had NCAAs at this track; it was kind of a familiar environment, so I knew if I replicated my race that I had at NCAAs with nicer weather, we were going to walk away with a PB.”

Steiner marked a new milestone on Thursday, turning pro and signing a deal with Puma.

“It’s a weight off my shoulders,” said Steiner via the Columbus Dispatch. “It’s like everything you have worked for is coming to life. I don’t think it’s really sunk in just because it’s such a real blessing. I couldn’t be more excited about my choice, and I can’t wait for this next chapter with them.”

She’s considered the USA’s best hope to get back on the top of the podium in the 200m since Allyson Felix won gold at the 2009 worlds. But she faces deep international competition from Jackson, defending world champion Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain, and reigning two-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah. Namibia’s Christine Mboma, who won silver in Tokyo, will not at compete due to a thigh injury.

“The goal has