In the Clutch on Day 5

Day 5 featured a bevy of clutch, walk off type, moments for several spots on the US team.  The mix of light rain and cool temperatures returned for the finals of the men's vault, men's discus, and both 5K's.  Favorites Brad Walker and Jeremy Scott survived the weather to go 1-2 in the vault.  The other three events had the team decided on the final throw, in the final few meters, and literally on the last stride.  Several other prelim and qualifying rounds were held as well.

In the men's discus event winner Lance Brooks achieved the Olympic qualifier on his final throw.  After five previous throws that were all within two feet he picked the perfect time to get the standard.

The men's 5K featured a large pack of challengers until 800 to go, but the three prohibitive favorites Rupp-Lagat-Lamong made the team in that order.  Rupp beat Lagat for the first time ever in a time that was far from their PR's.  However, besides beating Lagat for the first time in 13 tries the time was significant as it broke the OT record....set in 1972 at Hayward Field....by Oregon and US legend Pre.

The women's 5K started off slow, but the pace picked up and five women eventually reached the Olympic Standard time.  Down the final stretch the race for third seemed secure, but third placer Julia Lucas who led much of the last half of the race was fading fast which opened the door and at the line on the final step Kim Conley was able to pass Lucas and acheive the qualifying standard by .21 seconds.  Lucas was fourth NCAA champ Abby D'Agostino was fifth only .18 sec in back of Conley.  What a crazy finish.  Thank goodness they didn't tie....that might have required a full race run off!

Today's pictures feature the huge entry lines that have been part of this meet which is on pace to break the OT attendance record by averaging well over 20K spectators each day.  I headed out to the Oregon coast on one of the off days.  Nike Camp Victory (Fan Zone) has built a wall keeping track of the top three in each event.  I thought a World Record was worth another photo op.