I was fortunate enough to do my volunteer stint at the "Eugene 08" Olympic Trials from the media row (called the "Tribune") at the top of the West Grand Stand at historic Hayward Field. It was hard work that involved closely monitoring each event so that we knew when the results would be formalized and we could then distribute copies to all the media. Whew!
These shots show you the view. In the one of the east grandstand, below, you can almost make out the blurred images of the men competing in the 10,000 meter race - that's 25 times around the track! The local favorite, UO Duck and NCAA champion, Galen Rupp, took second place, but it was a race between him and the winner the entire time.
For those of you who may not be familiar with Hayward Field, it was the site of the 1972, 1976 and 1980 Olympic Track Trials (not to mention the birthplace of the jogging in the U.S. AND Nike!) Eugene's reputation as a great place for track and field back earned it the moniker, Track Town USA in the 60s and 70s, a motto the city has reclaimed with these Olympic Trials. We'll be hosting the 2012 Track and Field Trials, so come on down or over - it's been a blast!
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