TrackTown, USA: Another busy day in Eugene. Dave and I are donors to the University of Oregon Library, and today we went to meet with the staff and see the latest improvements at the library. Besides being in one of the loveliest locations on the beautiful tree-filled campus, the library itself is a large stately brick building. There are hydrangeas blooming in August in Eugene:
Now that the University of Oregon is in the Big 16 (or 10, or whatever they call the division), the libraries at the schools have joined together into one of the largest collections in the world. So exciting.
After our visit and lunch with the wonderful staff, we went back to the track for another day of competition. (The meet is being shown live on either NBC or Peacock. Check the results link below to learn the daily schedule.) Again, the weather is simply outstanding. Sunny and pretty warm, with an occasional breeze to cool us down.
As I wrote yesterday, Sydney McLaughlin- Levrone has decided to not jump over hurdles and run the 400 "flat" (as it is called). Looks like this is a much easier way to get around a lap, as McLaoughlin-Levrone smashed the competition. Sydney will have a few very strong competitors in Tokyo in September, so it will be a very exciting race at the World Championships.
Mr. Levrone was also at the track today, along with Sydney's parents and family:
Sorry. Are two photos of Andre Levrone too many? Levrone was a football player at Virginia, retired NFL player, and now working as a pastor... but I think he travels around the world with his wife quite a bit.
Since Sha'carri Richardson and Noah Lyles won their races at the last World Championships in Budapest, they have a "bye" into the next championships. All they have to do is show up at the trial meet and show they are still fit. Neither Richardson nor Lyles even raced in the semi-finals today. There are many more events to discuss, but I am not a sports reporter. Please read the results below.
But I must comment on the decathlon, as I just love the decathlon, and my favorite part of the event is the final one - the 1500m. Watching those men running four laps around the track after competing in nine other events over two days is so inspiring! The event was won by Kyle Garland, with an outstanding 8869 - the third highest score by an American.
Decathletes after the 1500m
After the meet we went to dinner with Mary, Steve, and Carlos and were actually back to our hotel and beds BEFORE midnight.
Until my next update, when we will do it all again, I remain, your excited correspondent.
Links:
Results from the meet