News & Views
News & Views
June 20, 2008
Olympic Trials Race Walking Competition to be Held on Leo Harris Parkway
The first weekend in July, early in the morning, on a flat and fast course close to Autzen Stadium, a group of athletes will race for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in an event which requires both speed and stamina and also exacting technique.
On July 5th at 7:00 a.m. the men’s 20K race walking will be held along Leo Harris Parkway. The next morning, also at 7:00 a.m., the women will take to the road in their attempt to secure a spot on the U.S. Team headed for Beijing.
A map of the course is here. Spectators do not need a ticket to watch the competition, and can park for free in the Autzen Stadium parking lot. Area residents are encouraged to support the race walking athletes by lining the road to cheer them on.
According to USATF, “Race walking differs from running in that it requires the competitor to maintain contact with the ground and straighten their front knee when the foot makes contact with the ground, keeping it straightened until the knee passes under the body. Judges evaluate the technique of race walkers and report fouls which may lead to disqualification.”
Local favorite and Eugene native Philip Dunn has already qualified for the 50K race walk competition. He will race in the 20K race against a strong field which includes two-time Olympian Tim Seaman, three-time USA 20km champion Kevin Eastler, and 2006 USA Outdoor runner-up John Nunn.
In the women’s race, three-time USA Outdoor champion Teresa Vaill will try to best one of the top female race walkers in the U.S., 44 year old Joanne Dow. Other contenders include Amber Antonia and Jolene Moore.
Full biographies of the competitors can be found on the USATF website.