EUGENE, Ore. – It was a good night for local Summer Olympics hopefuls Thursday in Eugene. A very good night, in fact. A half dozen athletes with ties to the Northwest earned spots in the London Games.
The capacity crowd at Eugene’s historic Hayward Field saved its biggest roar for last -- for the dramatic finish in the men’s 5000 meters.
Crossing the line in first was Portland running prodigy Galen Rupp, followed closely by Washington State University grad Bernard Lagat, and then by a recent transplant to Portland, Lopez Lomong.
Former WSU Cougar Lagat says he likes the London medal outlook for the USA given this speedy company.
“We have pretty good chances with the three guys you see up here," he says. "That makes me feel good to be part of this team.”
The Northwest sweep of the 5K capped a night in which Boise State grad and Marysville, Washington native Jarred Rome also qualified for London in discus. Portland’s Evan Jager won the 3000 meter steeplechase and Spokane native Scott Walker, now of Seattle, qualified in the pole vault.
On the Web:
2012 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials:
http://tracktown12.gotracktownusa.com/
Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network
Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network
