Oregon Public Broadcasting

Before the fireworks lit up the sky Friday night, there were fireworks on the track at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene. 

An Oregon runner qualified for the second time for the Beijing Games.  Then the happiness turned to tears. Correspondent Tom Banse explains why.

Portland transplant Kara Goucher unleashed a blazing kick in the final lap to  finish first in the women’s 5000 meters.  That makes her an Olympian two times over because she also qualified in the 10,000 meters a week ago at these U.S. team trials.

Kara Goucher: “Winning that was a huge accomplishment for me and it was awesome, but right now I’m really sad.”

That’s because Goucher’s husband Adam raced right after her in the men’s 10,000 meters. The running couple really wanted to make the Olympic team together, but it was not to be.  Adam Goucher finished seventh.

Another Portland runner and training partner, Galen Rupp, came in second and will go to Beijing.

Online:

U.S. Olympic Track &  Field Trials – Eugene, Ore.

Photo for web-posting [0705TB_TwiceNice.jpg] By Tom Banse
Caption: Portland’s Kara Goucher digs for the finish in the women’s 5000 meters.