Ato Boldon Evaluates High School Talent At Olympic Trials

Gordon Mack of FloTrack caught up with NBC sports analyst Ato Boldon at the conclusion of the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. yesterday. Boldon, a four-time Olympic medalist for Trinidad & Tobago, has a unique perspective on the sport at the elite and the prep level, as he coaches Khalifa St. Fort - a 2016 high school graduate who turned pro in March and will represent Trinidad & Tobago on the 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games in Rio. Boldon offered his thoughts on a few of the top U.S. prep stars.

On Noah Lyles, who placed fourth in the 200m final, and whether he should go pro:

I think when it's the 200m, you have to be careful. A couple years ago, you had a few guys go pro who were 200m exclusively, and that may not have been the right move. But I don't ever assume that I know anybody's situation. You never know what's going on, situations are different. But I'd tell him to stay; figure it out a little bit more. If he does go to school, it can only serve him better.


On Sydney McLaughlin, who placed third in the 400m hurdles final:

That to me is my absolute high watermark. For that young girl at 16, almost 17, to come here and the poise she's shown through the first two rounds, it wasn't a perfect final for her but she fought for it. Youngest U.S. Olympian since 1972. That's why we spend all this money and set up all these satellites to broadcast to the U.S. and the world for stories like Sydney McLaughlin and Vashti Cunningham because when people see someone perform so well, so young against adults, that's not something you'll soon forget.