Before the 2008 USA Track & Field Trials began last week in Eugene, everyone knew that the performances at Hayward Field would be exhilarating, but I don’t think anyone thought they would be amazing as they’ve been. Read on for a recap of the first four days at the Trials, then check back daily as I post recaps live from Eugene!

DAY 1

The Women’s 10,000m kicked off the USA Track and Field Trials with a dramatic start as Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher dueled under the Hayward lights in what was the first final on the track. Goucher valiantly pushed the pace in the latter stages of the race, with the American record holder Flanagan tucked closely behind. The most dramatic element certainly proved to be the fight for the third spot as Amy Yoder-Begley had pushed clear of the rest of the field, chasing Flanagan and Goucher, but needed the “A” Standard of 31:45 to advance. Up front, Flanagan used a late burst of speed to move past Goucher for the win, while Yoder-Begley chased the clock on the last lap, finishing third and achieving the “A” Standard, punching her ticket to Beijing along with Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher.

DAY 2

The second day of the meet provided exciting action both on the track and in the field. Nike athletes cruised through the 100m final, taking all three Olympic berths. Surprise winner Muna Lee took down the loaded field that included several World and Games medalists while Torri Edwards grabbed the second spot and the always clutch  Lauryn Williams stepped up to the line and raced her way onto the team in third.

As expected, Nike’s trio of Reese Hoffa, Christian Cantwell and Adam Nelson respectively earned births to Beijing. Nelson, who has been on fire this season, wasn’t able to out throw Hoffa or Cantwell, who both launched several throws over the fabled 70-foot barrier.

DAY 3

The Men’s 400m hurdles led another Nike sweep with Bershawn “Batman” Jackson finishing ahead of Kerron Clement and the seemingly ageless Angelo Taylor. It was an exceptionally hot and windy afternoon and these three efforts definitely impressed. The Men’s 100m brought the biggest roar from the crowd, however. Although the aforementioned tailwind made the times not legal for record purposes, this was one of the fastest 100m races in history, with Walter Dix of Florida State (Nike) battling the big boys and garnishing silver. It will be great to see what he can do in Beijing.

The participants of the Men’s Pole Vault probably didn’t enjoy the wind quite as much, but that didn’t stop Derek Miles, Jeff Hartwig, and newly-crowned American record holder Brad Walker from vaulting through the breeze and onto our the Games Team.

DAY 4

Easily the most unbelievable evening of track so far. If it wasn’t enough to see Hazel Clark take down America’s best female 800m runners from the front and leading to the gun, then the Men’s 800m answered the call. After a stiff first lap all the competitors were still in contention; Khadevis Robinson and Lopez Lomong made strong bids on the backstretch but the action was just beginning. Halfway around the final curve, Nick Symmonds blasted through the field and kept pouring it on all the way to the tape, winning by nearly a second. A late surge by University of Oregon super-Soph Andrew Wheating got him into second and a literal dive to the tape ahead of Robinson put Symmonds’ fellow OTC member Christian Smith into third and onto the team. Many spectators walked away saying this was one of the best races they had ever seen. Truly unforgettable.

The Men’s 5000m capped off the evening and didn’t disappoint. After Brent Vaughn led a strung-out pack early, the field closed in and bunched up, making this a very tactical affair. Adam Goucher pushed for a few laps but couldn’t shake free, meaning the 10,000m on Friday will be his shot for Games glory in 2008. Chris Solinsky threw down the gauntlet with two laps to go, inserting a 58 second lap to see who had the legs. Double world champion Bernard Lagat watched him closely and moved by on the last lap to take his third straight US 5000m crown and earning him his first Games berth as an American. The always reliable Matt Tegenkamp kicked like a maniac to secure the second spot and collapsed at the finish, with nothing left to the almost 20,000 spectators who saw this amazing night of track and field.

The Trials are on hiatus for two days of rest, with the action resuming Thursday, July 3rd. I’ll be in Eugene Thursday-Sunday to experience the final four days of action in person. I’ll be snapping exclusive photos and posting daily reports so be sure to check here daily for all the latest happenings from the 2008 USA Track and Field Trials!

Check out my Trials Diary.