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Sitting through Thursday's session of the Olympic Trials was kind
like watching a Communist election—you always knew who was
ling to win.
While not exactly ho-hum, the day proved 'o be almost entirely
edictable.
In sharp contrast to the previous week's first day of competition,
1 the favorites survived; the dark horses didn’t come through and the
mes weren't outstanding overall.
The athletes ran “strategy" races in first competition of the 110
eter high hurdles, the 400, 1500 and 5000 meter runs. They used
actics" instead of all-out efforts. To put it bluntly, they coasted.
But the end result was a proper weeding-out process, leaving only
e best to compete against each other throughout the remainder of
>m petition to compete for the three Olympic berths in their chosen
/ent.
And what competition that should be
In the 1500, there's still the possible rematch of Dave Wottle and
m Ryun. Last time they met, Wottle out-kicked the veteran Ryun en
mtc to tying the world record in the 800 meters and qualifying for the
lympic team. (See story page 12.)
But the 1500 won't be the only battle of super heavyweights
In the 110 hurdles, favorite Rod Milburn who says he's going to
in a world record here before the week s out—was joined by veteran
illie Davenport. NCAA champ and Hayward Field record holder
lomas Hill, USC's Jerry Wilson, Tommy Lee White and Charles
ieh.
That dream field probably won’t be altered much before Sunday
ght’s final. (See story page 10.)
If the promises of races to come in those two events weren't
lough, there are still two other events with dream fields after
hursday’s eliminations.
Among those still alive in the 400 meters are world record holder
ee Evans, Vince Mathews, Curtis Mills, Fred Newhouse, Wayne
ollett, Tommie Turner, John Smith and Maurice Peoples. (See
ories pages 8 and 9.)
And to top it all off is the promise of a real nail-biter in the last
/ent of the meet—the finals of the 5000 meter run.
In any event many conceded to Steve Prefontaine long ago, a new
ccitement was promised by the results of Thursday’s semifinals.
Suddenly the race no longer belongs to one man—it has become
ie refuge for many of those fate frowned upon in other events last
eek. And they’re hanging on for their lives—and any chance they
light have for a trip to Munich.
There’s Gerry Lindgren, American record holder at three miles,
)ird all time U.S. 5000 meter runner and winner of six NCAA titles
anging on in this event after failing in an attempt at the 10,000. Also
ere from the 10,000 is Greg Fredericks—recent American record
)tter in that event.
And from the steeplechase are American record-holder Sid Sink;
fth place finisher in last week’s steeplechase final, Cliff Clark; and
Washington’s Jim Johnson
If that weren’t enough, from out of nowhere have emerged a
ouplc of veterans ready—and willing—to attempt a coup in the 5000
leters. Men like George Young and Tracy Smith always give a race
>eir all. You can rest assured they will be going all out to show Pre a
ling or two. (See story page 11.)
With races lik>? those in the offing, it’s worth sitting through one
ay of no surprises Because when the favorites meet, you can rest
s-'ured there will be plenty of surprises—and lots of excitement.
Rod Milburn (above) and Jim Ryun
and Reginald McAfee were among
those coasting into semifinals Thursday