Day One of the Olympic Trials for the U.S. Track and Field was exactly what everyone hoped it would be, a gold medal day with double platinum performances at historic Hayward Field in Eugene. The long, often hot ended in spectacular fashion, with Shalane Flanagan, the women's American record holder in the 10,000 and 5,000 meters, putting on a late charge to pull away from Kara Goucher to win in a Hayward Field record time of 31:34:81.
The day's final race, with most of the 20,000-plus still in their seats, capped an evening that began with parading Chinese dragons and jubilant strolls along the track by many members of the 1980 U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team that was prevented from participating in the Moscow Olympics by President Jimmy Carter. That presidential veto still rankles most Americans because it was a purely political decision, one that only damaged the athletes. Among those striding around the track were local favorites like Alberto Salazar and Mary Decker Slaney, who until Friday night held Hayward Field's 10K record. (Was it really that long the Olympic Trials were last in Eugene?)
The renovated field proved an ever-changing three-ring circus, with pole vaulters performing high-wire acts, sprinters and hurdles exploding like cheetahs, and elephant-sized shot putters roaring like lions.
Along with celebrations, like the joyful dancing of Kara Goucher, who slapped high-fives with fans and carried her daughter, and the antic theatrics of vaulters like Toby Stevenson, there were also the inevitable disappointments. For many it was a short stay after not making it out of the earliest qualifying events, but the disappointment was probably the sharpest for Nicole Leach of UCLA, who appeared to be on her way to an easy qualification in the 400 hurdles when she smacked into a hurdle, tumbled, and finished the race last.
While events on the track went smoothly, the meet revealed problems. Lines were forever, whether trying to fill water bottles from faucets - organizers only are allowing people to bring empty bottles - or waiting a half-hour or longer to buy beer, burgers or brauts. The prohibition on bringing in any food or water means spectators should plan to eat and drink hearty before the meet, or try the option of leaving the area to buy snacks outside.
What's next? Saturday's relatively short schedule will be highlighted with two finals, the shotput and women's 100 meters along with the qualifying heat and quarterfinals in the men's 100. And, with temperatures only expected to heat up even more than the competition, long lines for soft drinks and shaved ice.
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