My Top-10 Olympic Track & Field Trials Moments
- By Mario Fraioli
- Published Jul. 2, 2012
- Updated Jul. 3, 2012 at 3:46 PM UTC
1. Two Victories, Two Trials Records For Galen Rupp
Galen Rupp, shown here outkicking American record holder Bernard Lagat in the 5,000 meters, won the race in a Trials record 13:22.67. Earlier in the meet, Rupp won the 10,000 meters in a Trials record time, running 27:25.33. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
2. Kim Conley, The Improbable Olympian
In perhaps the finish of the meet, unheralded Kim Conley kicked like mad over the final 400 meters, moving from 7th to third over the last lap to cross the finish line in 15:19.79. Conley outleaned Julia Lucas at the finish line to place third, barely eclipsing the Olympic "A" standard of 15:20, to earn a spot on her first Olympic team. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
3. Julie Culley Out-duels Molly Huddle In Women's 5000
Julie Culley held off American record holder Molly Huddle over an exciting final 400 meters to win the women's 5,000m final in 15:13.77. Both women qualified for their first Olympic team. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
4. Amy Hastings Reigns In Women's 10,000
Shooting past American record holder Shalane Flanagan and young Natosha Rogers coming off the final turn, Amy Hastings redeemed her fourth-place finish at January's Olympic Marathon Trials with a thrilling victory in the women's 10,000 meters, crossing the finish line in 31:58.36. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
5. Morgan Uceny Wins Women's 1500
Morgan Uceny, the top-ranked 1,500-meter runner in the world who tripped and fell during last summer's world championship final, took control of the women's 1,500 meters with one lap to go and held on for victory in 4:04.59. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
6. Nick Symmonds Repeats As 800 Trials Champion
Nick Symmonds came from behind to repeat as Olympic Trials champion in the men's 800 meters, running 1:43.93. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
7. Leo Manzano Kicks To Victory In Men's 1,500
With a late surge, 2008 Olympian Leo Manzano scooted past defending national champion and world championship bronze medalist Matthew Centrowitz to win the men's 1,500m in 3:35.75. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
8. Evan Jager Bombs The Field In Men's Steeplechase
Even Jager, running just the fourth steeplechase of his young career, won the Olympic Trials in 8:17.40. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
9. Alysia Montano Goes Wire To Wire In Women's 800
Alysia Montano got off to a quick start in the women's 800 meters and led from start to finish to win in 1:59.08. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
10. Emma Coburn Dominates Women's Steeplechase
Colorado's Emma Coburn led from start to finish to win the women's steeplechase in 9:32.78. Coburn's college teammate Shalaya Kipp crossed in third, running 9:35.73 to also earn a spot on the Olympic team. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Welcome to our new staff blog, which will be updated four times weekly by editor-in-chief Brian Metzler, Competitor.com senior producer Mario Fraioli, associate editor Cielestia Calbay and copy editor Linzay Logan. Our aim is to inform, inspire and entertain, while also sharing our own experiences as runners in an effort to open up a discussion about a variety of topics that we can all relate to on a daily basis. Enjoy!
I just returned home to San Diego after spending 11 days in Eugene, Oregon covering the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. It was an exciting, drama-filled stretch of competition that kept me and many others on the edges of our seats for the duration of the meet.
My favorite races to watch, of course, were the middle distance and distance events. Not to take anything away from the other incredible performances that took place in Track Town, U.S.A., from June 21 through July 1, such as Ashton Eaton’s thrilling world record in the decathlon or Allyson Felix’ dominating win in the women’s 200 meters, the events from 800 meters through the 10,000 are always the ones that get me the most excited!
In this photo gallery, I share my top-10 moments from what was arguably the most memorable Olympic Trials to date. You may or may not agree, so please share with me YOUR top moments from last week’s Olympic Track & Field Trials in the comments section below. It’s always fun to talk track and compare picks!
FILED UNDER: Photos / Staff Blog TAGS: Alysia Montano / Amy Hastings / Emma Coburn / Even Jager / Galen Rupp / Julie Culley / Kim Conley / Leo Manzano / Morgan Uceny / Nick Symmonds / Olympic Trials
Mario Fraioli
Mario Fraioli is a senior editor at Competitor magazine. A cross-country All-American at Stonehill College in 2003, he now coaches the Prado Women's Racing Team in San Diego and was the men's marathon coach for Costa Rica's 2012 Olympic team. His first book, The Official Rock 'n' Roll Guide To Marathon & Half-Marathon Training (VeloPress, 2013) is available in bookstores, running shops and online.
