DAY 1: US Track and Field Olympic Team Trials

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A dreary day welcomed us to Hayward Field, but this would not squelch our excitement over being in track and field heaven. One of the highlights of the day occurred early on with the men's decathlon. Ashton Eaton wowed the track savvy crowd with not one but two world decathlon event records. Opening up with a nasty 10.21 100 meter world decathlon record, Eaton followed up with a 27 foot long jump on his first attempt. Not only was this a decathlon world record, it was achieved in miserable weather and was farther than any man in the open long jump later in the day and currently ranks towards the top of the world best for the open event.

A series of prelims followed, including the 400, 100 hurdles, 100 and 800. No big surprises in those events, but Jeter looked especially good in the 100. Sonya Richards-Ross surprised the crowd with a great new hair cut and color. Other than that, it was business as usual for the defending World Champion in the 400. The final is much anticipated and will no doubt bring a huge crowd.

The distance fans had to wait until the final two events of the evening to see superstars Rupp, Ritz, Teg, Flanagan and Hastings take the track. The men's 10,000 had no surprises with the big three claiming spots. Everyone cheered Ritz on to not only a top three finish but also the Olympic standard. Teg and Rupp already had the needed time to go to London. After watching Ritz break down in tears after a painful fourth place finish at the marathon trials earlier in the year, everyone was thrilled to see him stamp his ticket. Rupp put on a show in the last mile, however, blasting out 64, 62, 63 and 63 splits (unofficial) in the pouring rain. Rupp broke the Trials 10,000 record and brought the Hayward faithful to their feet. Rupp waved to his hometown crowd along the final stretch.

The women were up next. Only four ladies in the race had the standard (Flanagan, Uhl, Hastings and Cherobon-Bawcom.) Wendy Thomas took it out over the first mile, starting with a 73 split, but the pack ran conservatively for quite some time. Drama unfolded in the opening mile when Texas A&M runner Natosha Rogers fell in the early going and Lisa Uhl's spike came untied. The pace slowed to an 80 with Flanagan at the head, perhaps in an attempt to slow the pace while teammate Uhl caught up. Cal runner Maier would have none of it as she charged to the lead. She would lead the race for several miles until a charging pack, including Flanagan and Hastings swallowed her. The final 200 meters was thrilling as the young Rogers, in only her third 10,000 of her career, took the lead. Flanagan stayed with her, but on the final straight Hastings threw down the hammer for the win. Hastings split a 65 in this gutsy performance. Although Cherebon-Bawcom was never a contender in the race, since she had the A standard and will represent the US at the Olympics along with Hastings and Uhl. Flanagan already stated that she will only run the marathon. Although Flanagan did not win the race, she ran a stong race on heavy marathon training legs. This was likely her last race before the Olympic Games.

Day One is in the books. The rain did not dampen the excitment of opening day. One can only hope that the remainder of the meet can equal it! Stay tune for interviews and updates. Remember you can get live updates and splits by following @RnningEconomist on Twitter or friending her on Facebook.

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• Olympics
• Running
• Track & Field
• Summer Games

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