Ellis’ Great Escape Leads to 400-Meter Victory and Individual Olympic Berth

Kendall Ellis races to victory in a women's 400-meter semifinal during the U.S. Olympic track trials in Eugene, Ore., on June 22, 2024. George Walker IV/AP Photo

EUGENE, Ore.—It was a classic case of going from the outhouse to the penthouse.

Less than an hour before her semifinal at the U.S. Olympic track trials, 400-meter runner Kendall Ellis was trapped in a porta-potty, banging on the door, screaming for someone to let her out.