Christian Smith to leave Oregon Track Club

Oregon Track Club has announced the departure of team member Christian Smith. In order to complete his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University; Smith will return to the Manhattan, Kansas campus. Smith spoke highly of his time in Eugene.

“Leaving Eugene after only a year and a half has been a very difficult decision to make. The town and team made the experience everything I hoped it would be. Being a part of Eugene’s 800m sweep at the trials will always mean so much to me. I am moving back to Kansas to finish my degree that I put on hold to come to Eugene before the Olympic year. I have had a great fall of training, I feel like my fitness has improved drastically from last year. I will continue to have good relationships with everyone at the Oregon Track Club” said Smith.

Christian Smith joined the Oregon Track Club in 2007.  The 800 meter runner qualified for the Beijing Games in a dramatic third place finish in front of his home crowd at the 2008 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.

Smith vaulted himself at the finish line in front of 2004 Olympian Khadevis Robinson in grabbing the final roster spot for the Beijing Olympics in posting a time of 1:45.47.

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