U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, Day 6

Day 6 (July 4): There were four finals on America’s birthday, but it was a fifth-place finisher in a semifinal heat of the women’s 1500 meters who made the biggest splash of the day. Jordan Hasay, a 16-year-old high school junior from California used a strong finishing kick, with her ponytail flying through the air as she passed several runners to earn a spot in Sunday’s final. Her time of 4:14.50 set a new national high school record.

In other women’s action, Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan both qualified for their second event by finishing first and third, respectively, in the 5000-meters. Goucher, who pulled away on the final lap, won the event in 15:01.01. Jen Rhines was second (15:02.02) and Flanagan third (15:02.81). Flanagan and Goucher previously qualified in the 10,000 meters. Rhines will compete in her third Olympics.

Chaunte Howard won her second U.S. high jump title, clearing 1.97 meters (6 feet, 5.5 inches) to earn her second Olympic berth. Amy Acuff, 33, will become the first four-time Olympic high jumper after placing second (1.93), while Sharon Day took third (1.91).

Four-time U.S. champion Abdi Abdirahman won the men’s 10,000 meters, taking an early lead and remaining in front of the pack most of the way to finish in 27:41.89. Hometown favorite Galen Rupp of the University of Oregon, who led briefly late in the race, was second (27:43.11) and Jorge Torres third (27:46.33).

A.G. Kruger will be one-man U.S. Olympic hammer throwing team. Kruger, the only competitor who’d achieved the Olympic “A” qualifying standard, won the event with a throw of 75.81 meters (248 feet, 9 inches). Kevin McMahon was second ( 74.49) and Jake Freeman third (73.59) but neither earned the trip to Beijing.