Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Olympic Games officially kick off Friday in Beijing with the opening ceremonies.  As Andrew Theen reports, a couple dozen athletes with Northwest ties are competing.

Don't tell anyone, but the Olympics actually began a few days ago, with the men's and women's soccer tournaments.  For Northwest athletes, the best chance at a medal may start next week with the track and field events.

Nike stalwart Alberto Salazar coaches three athletes on the U.S. team; UO long distance star Galen Rupp, and post-collegians Amy Yoder Begley and Kara Goucher.

At the Olympic Trials last month Salazar said Rupp is working up to being a contender for a medal.

Alberto Salazar: "Running in the Beijing will be a good experience, just as running in Osaka in the world championships last year, he got 11th there.  I think for Beijing a good goal would be to improve on his 11th place finish."

Of Salazar's athletes, Goucher has the best chance to win a medal.

She qualified in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters -- an event where she took third in the world championships last year.