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Some familiar faces provided fireworks over the holiday weekend at the US Olympic Trials in Eugene. Ashton Eaton surprised few in winning the decathlon with a total of 8,750 points. The reigning Olympic gold medalist left little doubt in eviscerating the competition as no one came within 300 points.
In the sprints, English Gardner won the 100 in a blistering 10.74, the fastest time in the world this year. The win helped erase the memory of the 2012 trials for Gardner, who just missed qualifying for London. Fellow Ducks Ariana Washington (10.94) and Jenna Prandini (11.04) were also finalists, taking fifth and sixth. Both could be selected as part of the 4x100 relay team.
Gardner wasn't the only sprinter to claim a spot in Rio, as 400 runner Phyllis Francis was runner-up to Allyson Felix. Francis used a strong kick down the stretch to run her best time ever, finishing in 49.94.
That 100m win from English Gardner was INCREDIBLE. #TrackTown16 https://t.co/BBVrlyjZfW
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 4, 2016
The fourth of July also saw some spectacular performances, with Cyrus Hostetler taking the men's javelin title. Hostetler booked his trip to Rio on his final throw of 273-1, besting his nearest competitor by nearly two feet. Hostetler wasn't the only thrower to qualify as fellow Duck Sam Crouser's mark (256-1) was good for fourth and a spot on the Olympic team. Both athletes had already met the Olympic standard before the meet.
WOW @chostetler15! What a throw! #TrackTown16 https://t.co/iLi2HQhUEi
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 5, 2016
Oregon had a current athlete in the women's 800, as Raevyn Rogers finished fifth in the final, running 2:00.59. Rogers had a remarkable run through the finals after successfully defending her national title in the event a few weeks prior.
In qualifying action, Galen Rupp moved on in the first round of the men's 5,000. Rupp had already won the marathon and 10,000 title before his 13:49.50 gave him a chance for a third event. Eric Jenkins (13:48.63) bested Rupp's time to join him in the semifinals.
Athletes have tomorrow off before action resumes on Wednesday, July 6.