Olympic Trials: Ashton Eaton Takes Decathalon, English Gardner Wows In 100 Meters

Jul 3, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; English Gardner competes during the women s 100m finals in the 2016 U.S. Olympic track and field team trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; English Gardner competes during the women s 100m finals in the 2016 U.S. Olympic track and field team trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Two Oregon Alums make it to Rio De Janeiro and the Olympics to represent the U.S.

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On Wednesday when I spoke with Ashton Eaton he sounded like a veteran of the sport. The Decathalon for him has become signature, it has defined him and he clearly embraces it. There were no nerves when he spoke with the media, just truth.

Friday and Saturday he worked through injuries to get to the top of the Leaderboard so to speak, and he remained there through all ten events. It was not as impressive as his performance in 2012 through the weather that then set a World Record for the event, but it was impressive none the less. He will head to Rio De Janeiro to defend his title. If he does, he will be within a small handful of Olympians who have completed the feat.

The Women’s 100 Meter Final was chock full of Oregon Ducks, but just one made it in the end. English Gardner ran the seventh fastest time ever at 10.78 and heads to Rio. Jenna Prandini was left off the team but will compete again in a few days in the 200 Meter.

Autzen Zoo will have coverage throughout the 2016 Olympic Track and Field Trials at Hayward Field. Monday will see the Javelin Final, Men’s Pole Vault Final and the final with Raevyn Rogers in the Women’s 400 Meters.

Schedule

Schedule