Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Goucher Qualifies for 5000 Meter Finals

All three Team USA athletes, including Duluth's own Kara Goucher, advanced from the heats of the women's 5000 meters at the Beijing Games.

Jen Rhines and Shalane Flanagan of the US both finished 6th -- the final automatic qualifying slot -- in their respective heats. Goucher trailed Flanagan, the Beijing 10,000 meter bronze medalist, by just over a second, capturing the first of three time qualifying positions with a 15:00.98.

In a USATF press release, Goucher said, "It's going to make the final a little bit less nerve-wracking to see friends everywhere on the track. I'm just so proud of us. I think we are making a statement, and I'm so happy to be a part of it."

Complete results are HERE.

The heat sheet for Friday's final is HERE.

The USATF press release is HERE.

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