Eugene, Oregon is known as Track City. It's a long story but the condensed version goes like this: The University of Oregon established a tradition of track excellence early in the 20th Century. By the 60's, a succession of outstanding athletes and a pair of legendary coaches gave Eugene a high profile in the track world. This, in turn, gave Eugene the chance to host the US Olympic Trials in Track and Field in 1972, 1976 and 1980.
Of all the great Olympians connected with Eugene, Steve Prefontaine's legacy is most enduring. Today isn't the day for a post about Pre though. It's a story about the return of the Olympic Trials to Eugene. The Trials began here yesterday and they will continue until July 6.
Some call it the most exciting track meet on earth, better even than the Olympics themselves. Why? Because you can't be a member of the US Olympic team unless you finish in the top 3 in the Trials. No exceptions. As a result, sometimes the best athletes in the world don't make the team.
This event has brought our community together like nothing else could. Folks have come from every state to attend the Trials. Huge crowds, great weather, outstanding performances, all combined with a festive atmosphere. That's a tough combination to beat.
Every day after the Trials end, a music festival begins next to the stadium. Excellent cover bands rock the place, local microbrews (and of course Bud and Bud Lite) are abundant and the living is good.
Even for people who don't know much about track, this is an unforgettable event. I'm proud that our community is rising to the occasion and happy that so many visitors get to see Oregon at its finest.
For the athletes, this means everything. The dream of Olympic glory in Beijing cannot become a reality without success in Eugene. Poignant moments abound. The realization of one athlete's dream means failure for another. Such pure athletic competition is hard to find these days. I love it.
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