Oregon Public Broadcasting

A University of Oregon standout lived up to huge expectations by running his way onto the U.S. Olympic team.

22-year-old Galen Rupp stayed with the leaders for 25 laps around the track at historic Hayward Field in Eugene.  He came in second at the tape -- good enough for a ticket to Beijing to run in the 10,000 meters.

Galen Rupp: “This has been a dream of mine from the day I started running.  That’s what every runner aspires to do.  The Olympics is your time to shine.  I’m speechless. It’s just an unbelievable experience.  And to be able to do it here on the Fourth of July wearing the green and yellow, it’s something else.”

Rupp is coached by running legend Alberto Salazar of Portland.  He’s the third Salazar pupil to qualify for the Beijing Games at these U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

The trials conclude Sunday.