Eugene is #1

Tracktown U.S.A. stands tall as the biggest winner of 2008.  The will of a city convened forces to present the sport at its best, putting the Eugene in the national spotlight.

It becomes obvious while in Eugene that it is a city of doers.  Thousands lace up their shoes each morning, running the winding trials that populate the city.

The energy behind Eugene ‘08 was made up of: the citizens of Eugene, The Oregon Track Club, and the Eugene 08 local organizing committee including surrounding governments and municipalities.

The city known as “Tracktown U.S.A.” vindicated itself from its detractors that cried foul at in the city being awarding the 2008 Olympic Trials, landing the trials and subsequent national championship meets.
It is beyond denial that the superbowl of track and field was gorgeous with a massive injection of money from Nike.  Hayward Field is splendid after $8 million in renovations, and the 20,000 fans are testament to track and field’s popularity not only in Eugene but in the surrounding region.

It is not anything new to have the Olympic Trials in Eugene considering the world-class facilities and the athletes that train at the University of Oregon.  The real question that is circling is whether Eugene will serve as host to an Olympic Games within our lifetime.

Vin Lananna: “I think the fans were treated to something very special this week, the spectators enjoyed it but more importantly I think the athletes had a great experience here.  We hope they have.  That was our objective when we put this thing together.”

A review of the U.S. Track & Field Trials brought three foreign born athletes qualifying in the 1,500 meters to compete in Beijing.  Jennifer Stuczynki reigned in a new U.S. record in the pole vault.  Marshevet Hooker took a spill in qualifying for the 200 meters, emerging with a sense of humor.

Tyson Gay’s American-record 9.77 seconds in a 100 heat and a wind-aided 9.68 in the final, the fastest time ever run in any conditions. The men’s 800 final highlighted the meet when Eugene-based runners finished 1-2-3 to a deafening roar from the nearly 21,000 fans.  Bryan Clay recorded one of the best decathlon scores in history.

The meet left most happy and hungry for more.  The 2009 and 2011 National Champions and World Championship Trials return to Eugene, in addition to the 2012 Olympic Trials.

You can not properly say goodbye to 2008, without saying hello to the prospects of track and field in Eugene 2009.