Smock Third in Olympic Trials Preview

In a preview of the competition she is likely to face at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon in June, defending USA triple jump champion Amanda Smock placed third at the Mt. SAC Relays triple jump on Saturday in Walnut, California.

Smock (pictured), who represented the United States last year at the World Track and Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea, jumped 45-5 on her final attempt of the competition.

Crystal Manning won the close-fought contest with a mark of 45-8. The former Kansas Jayhawk was runner-up to Smock at last year's USA Championships and at this year's USA Indoor Championships.

Toni Smith was second on Saturday at 45-6 1/4.  The former Oklahoma Sooner finished third at the USA Championships in 2011.

Erica McLain, an Olympian in 2008 who is returning to competition in 2012 after a serious foot injury last year, was fourth at 44-6 3/4.

Find complete results of the event HERE.

Olympic Hopefuls Compete ... Lots of Minnesota Olympic track and field hopefuls made the trip to Walnut, California for the meet.  Other notable performances included:

Winona High School alum Garrett Heath ... 6th in the mile with 3:57.25.

Lakeville High School and University of Minnesota alum Liz Podominick ... 6th in the discus at 189-0.

Erhard native Rachel Longfors ... 7th in the discus at 187-0

Burnsville native Laura Januszewski ... 8th in the 800-meters in 2:02.99

Brainerd native Justin Tyner ... 12th in the steeplechase at 8:50.22.

Team USA Minnesota's Matt Llano ran 14:07.41 in his section of the 5000-meters; teammate Chris Rombough was a DNF in his race. Team USA Minnesota's Meghan Peyton ran 16:14.82 in the women's 5000-meters.

Find full meet results HERE.

Photo by Randy Miyazaki/Track and Field Photo.