Olympic Trials
The Olympic Trials are here! The feeling in the stadium and all around the city is indescribable. The desire for so many athletes to fill the three very coveted spots on the Olympic team is overwhelming. In just the first day there were already some shocking upsets with UCLA’s Nicole Leach hitting the seventh hurdle and failing to advance. Nicole Cook, Alysia Johnson and Kevin Hicks all missed the next round in the 800m after being almost sure entries in the finals. You could see the real disappointment on their faces as what they had worked so long for was slipping away. The trials are sudden death and everyone wants to be their best between now and July 6th because nothing before or after matters! You have to run your best race now, you don’t have to win but you have to be in the top three to have a chance to achieve your dream.
The women’s 100m, one of the most anticipated races of the meet as it has been so wide open, and hard to pick the top three, have exceeded my expectations. Marshevet Hooker leads the charge with a 10.76 wind-aided and Lauryn Williams, Torri Ewards, and Muna Lee are close behind with 10.8 performances. Of course you can’t count out Carmelita Jeter or Allyson Felix who had sub-11 performances as well. The finals take place this evening and even though six people go to Beijing in the 100m (some for the relay pool), everyone wants to be in the Top 3.
The men’s 400m hurdles had their first round and one of my best friends - Bershawn Jackson - made it look easy as he won and will compete again today in the semi-final round. Robert Griffin from Baylor also advanced.
I start competing on Sunday and I will have my final on the 3rd of July! I really can’t wait to have my chance to step on the track in front of this amazing crowd at Hayward field. The meet has been sold out for months and it shows. The fans filled the stands on the first day when only one final was scheduled to go off. Congrats to Shalane Flanagan, Kara Goucher, and Amy Begley, for making the team in the 10,000m. As I sat and watched yesterday I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to compete and have a real opportunity to make the US Track and Field Team. There is so much pressure and anticipation but no one wants it more than me. I’ve worked for this since 2004 and I have done my best to prepare myself for this moment. Every experience I’ve had so far, favorable or not, have made me a stronger competitor and I hope to show that on July 3rd!