Fan Festival at the 2012 US Olympic Track & Field team trials
Track Town, USA: A wonderfully sunny and mercifully short day at the track. When I arrived at Historic Hayward Field this morning, all I could think was: how is this only Day 3 of the Trials? It seemed we have been here for days and days already. The first two days of the decathlon had wiped us out.
Imagine how Mr. Eaton must feel.
Speaking of the Fabulous Mr. Eaton... his 27 foot long jump on the first day of the decathlon, would have made the long jump team. The men's 100m team was decided in blazing fast times - Justin Gatlin (9.80), Tyson Gay (9.86) and Ryan Bailey (9.93). See all the results from Day 3.
Justin Gatlin celebrates making the 2012 Olympic team with his young son
To celebrate "100 Years of the Decathlon" a reception was held in the University of Oregon art museum this evening. Everyone there was simply awed, star-struck and amazed to be in the room with so many legends of The One True Sport.
US GOLD MEDAL DECATHLETES: Brian Clay (2008), Dan O'Brien (1996), Bill Toomey (1968),Rafer Johnson (1960), Milt Campbell (1956) and Jim Thorpe (1912, represented by his sons)
Note: Bruce Jenner was in town the past few days, but left before this event. Really?
Photo by Mary B.
The art museum is featuring an exhibit on the history of the modern decathlon. Every piece in the exhibit came from the private collection of Frank Zarnowski, the keeper of the sport and the best decathlon announcer the event will ever know.
Ashton Eaton being interviewed by Frank Zarnowski
Even Ashton Eaton was there and humbled to be in the presence of so many American heroes.
Steve & Mary with Trey Hardee
Woody, Ashton Eaton, Steve, Mac Wilkins (Duck discus thrower, Gold medal 1976)Mary and me
Ashton is heading out to Canada tomorrow to cheer as his fiance, Brianne Theisen, completes the heptathlon at the Canadian Olympic team trials. The guy must be exhausted. Two days of grueling competition, hours of post-meet interviews... two autograph sessions with fans Sunday (one at a supermarket!)... then this party. But look at him - all smiles and so happy to see everyone. All Ashton wanted to talk about with me was Matthew Centrowitz and the 1500m race this week. What a guy - all the excitement of being the World Record holder in the greatest athletic event on our planet and Ashton is thinking about Matt's race on Thursday.
I suppose there will never be another chance to have this much history in one room again. It was truly an honor to meet the legends of the decathlon. America reigns supreme in this event, and with the team the USA is sending to London, the next 100 years of the decathlon history should be equally rich.
Until my next update, I remain, your humbled correspondent.