TrackTown, USA: NOTE: Since I produced yesterday's column on my phone - pecking away - instead of on my laptop, I really didn't proof-read well enough. Though now updated, it read "we will be seeing these athletes in Paris" like we were going to the Olympics in Paris, and we are not going to the Olympics in Paris. We will be seeing them on television. We stopped going to the Olympics after 1996 in Atlanta, opting instead for the every-other-year World Athletics Championships instead. This meet is only for athletics (known in America as track & field), no swimming, basketball, judo, and the wide-variety of other sports (individual synchronized swimming?) that fill every arena, hotel and restaurant in a city and drive prices off the charts. The World Athletics Championships are a much more relaxing atmosphere, and we would only watch the track & field anyway. We now plan to attend the World Athletics Champions in Tokyo September 2025, if we are welcome.
We had a relaxing morning before heading over to the track early afternoon to watch the final women's events and the conclusion of the heptathlon. There were a few clouds in the sky today and the temperature was predicted to only rise to 78°. On and off all afternoon at Historic Hayward Field, we felt a few raindrops, but this native Oregonian would never call it rain. Dave thought a few sprinkles would mean good luck for the Ducks. That was not meant to be, but the Duck women kicked it up several notches this afternoon.
The concourse outside the stadium is busy every afternoon with food trucks, vendors, and a free-for-kids KIDS ZONE with arts and crafts, giant JENGA and cornhole games, a place where kids can make signs to hold up to support their favorite team, and face painting. Everytime we went past the face painting, it was always a (finished with their competition) athletes getting their faces beautifully decorated.
The Women of Oregon ran very well today, but it wasn't quite enough to win the Championship. Arkansas won with 43 points (their sprinters were killing it in every race and relay), Florida was second with 59 points, powerhouse Texas was third with 41 points, and Mighty Oregon was 4th with 40.5 points. (See the final results below, though I hope you did watch or record the event.)
after the meet
The Oregon women were shining today and it was a joy to watch them and enjoy celebrating their camaraderie. The team sitting together in the stands, cheering for their teammates, yelling out to them with such encouraging words was truly heartwarming! My favorite "cheer" of the meet was: She's My Best Friend! College just doesn't get any better than that. GO DUCKS!
After the meet, we went to dinner with Vin and Sam at Marché, my favorite restaurant in Eugene (or maybe Oregon?). Such fun and such good conversation - which, of course, centered on The One True Sport.
Tomorrow we head-off on vacation. No track meets to attend until the Olympic Trials begin in Eugene on 21 June. Let's see if we can find ourselves some fun until then.
Until my next update, I remain, your GO DUCKS correspondent.
MEET INFO:
Meet schedule
Results
TV Broadcast Information
Campground Information: Premier RV Resorts - A bit confusing, as we have a frequent-flyer discount card, but we are paying about $78 per night. The park is full-service, with every amenity (though the pool is teeny) and is very dog-friendly - with a dog wash. Small shop with limited groceries, RV supplies, Duck stuff, ice cream and ice. It is right on I-5 so quite noisy. The most conveniently located campsite for a visit to Eugene, but is isn't really very convenient. We stay here all the time. Like, really, all the time.
You are truly great planners. Someone is very diligent in this area.
Enjoy your travels and thank you for sharing !