I spent all day at NIKE World Headquarters watching the hammer throw Olympic Trials. The experience was incredible! So many people watching the throwers - I estimate over 5000 fans. They filled the bleachers and completely filled every inch of lawn on the sides and ends of the field. Wonderful! NIKE went over the top to accommodate the athletes with one of the nicest Hammer cages the athletes had ever used, free food for fans, campus tours and a huge beer garden. Even the weather cooperated.
Most days this is a soccer field, used by employees. There are two soccer fields and two fitness centers on the NIKE campus - even an indoor pool.
The women threw first. From two dozen contestants, Amber Campbell, Amanda Bingson and Jessica Cosby will be representing the USA in London. Each woman has met the Olympic qualifying mark of 71.50 meters. Ms. Bingston is still in college (UNLV)! None of the ladies had ever thrown in front of so many fans and they were thrilled at the loud cheering crowd.





Kibwe Johnson won the hammer competition this afternoon. He will be joined in London by AG Kruger... and hopefully Chris Cralle. Cralle has yet to meet the Olympic standard of 78 meters (almost 266 feet). He has until the 8th of July cut-off date. Go Chris!



Then I went home. I was at NIKE this afternoon until after 6 o'clock. DT went back to Eugene very early this morning so missed the very event he conceived. So sad. I kept sending him photos throughout the day and he was so happy the hammer trial was so well attended.
A great day with great people (Mary, Steve, Woody, Gary - and thousands of our closest friends). Tomorrow I will drive to Track Town and watch the future World's Greatest Athlete in the first day of decathlon competition. Rain is predicted.
I will leave you with a photo from Los Angeles of a really cute baby with a really big smile. Little Guy just makes me happy looking at him.
