| EUGENE, Ore. - Kara Goucher claimed her first national title to highlight competition Friday night at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field. The 2007 World Outdoor bronze medalist in the 10,000m, Kara Goucher's domestic resume heading into the women's 5,000-meter final was dominated by one, hyphenated word: runner-up. Two-time 10,000m runner-up and 2006 USA 5,000m runner-up. She's a bridesmaid no more. Goucher came out on top of a historic, three-woman duel that saw American record holder Shalane Flanagan, Jen Rhines and Goucher scorch the track over the final three laps. Early in the race, leading duties were handled by Lauren Fleshman. One mile in, Ari Lambie took over and paced a pack that included Flanagan, Goucher, Rhines, Fleshman and Sara Slattery through 3,000m in 9:12.68. Two laps later, with 1200m to go, Flanagan took off, running the next 400m in 66 seconds, followed by a 66.5 split as the trio of Flanagan, Rhines and Goucher hit the bell lap at 13:55.5 - in that order. With 300 meters to go, Goucher's leg turnover increased noticeably. Off the final turn, she went full-throttle to move strongly, and permanently, into the lead, winning in 15:01.01. A 2000 Olympian at 10,000m and a 2004 Olympian in the marathon, Rhines made her third Olympic Team at the distance that was her specialty as a collegian, passing Flanagan to finish second in 15:02.02. Flanagan was third in 15:02.81. Should Goucher or Flanagan choose to compete in only the 10,000m in Beijing, Lauren Fleshman in fifth (15:23.18) would fill the third roster spot as the next-highest finisher with the Olympic A standard. Howard wins HJ; Acuff makes fourth Olympic Team Chaunte Howard served notice that she is once again a medal threat in the high jump and Amy Acuff became the first woman ever to make four Olympic Teams in that event in a strong competition. The 2005 World Outdoor silver medalist, Howard became a mother last year, yet she clearly is back in top form. The 24-year-old Georgia Tech product cleared all but her opening height of 1.84m/6-0.5 on first attempts, ultimately winning her second U.S. title with a height of 1.97m/6-5.5 to make her second Olympic Team. One of the world's most experienced jumpers and a six-time national champion, Acuff at age 33 made her fourth Olympic squad with a clearance of 1.93m/6-4, with Sharon Day third at 1.91m/6-3.25. A.G. Kruger was perhaps under the most pressure of any athlete on this night. As the only athlete in the men's hammer final to have the Olympic "A" standard, he had to win his event in order to ensure a trip to Beijing. He came through by winning his third straight national title and making his second Olympic Team with a throw of 75.81m/248-9. Kevin McMahon was second with a mark of 74.49m/244-5 and Jake Freeman was third with 73.59m/241-5. |
