The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
As close to the surface as one can get, finding balance between the nerves of looming competition and tactics were multiplied amongst many during practice. (Photos by Justin Sorensen for A Mile. A Minute.)

The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session

Track and Field
March 4, 2026
Behind the veil, a delicate exhibition of choreography goes through its final checks, balances and approvals on the track.

At practice for the 2026 USA Track and Field Indoor Championships last weekend in New York, the calm to competitors testing the surface one last time before the big show was only interrupted by the loud silence of empty stands and workers installing fixtures that symbolized something better than ordinary was set to take place.

And frame by frame, photographer Justin Sorensen captured the moments — seemingly in stealth — in a calm before the crowds arrived to roar for the next national tile holders.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Purposefully banked and sharp, the indoor dimensions (and curves) are ripe for mastering, no matter the track or facility.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
A brief gaze is a singular break in action that is a haven, of sorts, before the ramp up of drills and technique resumes.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
After calling out Jordan Anthony to a light challenge in the 60m — along with his wrestling belt — Noah Lyles was less animated as he surveyed the track.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Even in practice, one barrier floated by in a blur as another appeared in a prelude to the men’s 60m hurdles.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Touches of personal style were common in practice, even as competitors were far more dressed down and saving their race kits for an unveiling on event day.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
A simple statement in a single word spoke volumes and was perhaps a warning to rival sprinters that anything is possible when assembled at the same start line.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
When the mission is speed, there’s little need for a drawn out assessment of what comes next. Find the line first. Make the team.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Staten Islands’s Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex felt both cavernous and intimate along with a sense disconnect just miles outside of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Ben Allen ended his indoor season with a stacked showdown in the men’s 1,500m and later said “I put myself in it and fought to the line.”
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Every stretch, twist and pivot is designed to count even if the repetitions seem endless.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
With just a handful of tickets remaining, seats for both days of competition were nearly scare as New York City crowds will have to wait until July’s outdoor championships to see a similar collection of athletes.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Even in tattoo form, “rain is just rain” recalls the theme of the film “The Art of Racing in the Rain” illustrates that each person can create and control the conditions they exist in.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
With custom headphones and a fun budding rivalry with training partner Noah Lyles on deck, Jordan Anthony would later find victory in the men’s 60m.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
NIkki Hiltz eased into hard corners lap after lap in preparation of a loaded 1,500m.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Shamier Little floated through drills and during her warmup session with sights locked on the women’s 400m title.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
In a blur some of the greatest races have been decided by margins that could easily be missed with the blink of an eye.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Like a costume fitting, even the fine tuning of spikes is look behind the scenes of a critical — and sometimes overlooked — tool in any sprint arsenal.
The Harmony of a Closed-Door Practice Session
Soaring cleanly over each hurdle in the 60m leaves no room for hesitation or a miscue that could decide a podium finish or moral victory.

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