The track and field events (properly the Athletes events) began today in Beijing at the Bird’s Nest Stadium. One of the first races was the women’s 10,000m contest.
Two-time world champion, Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopa won the Gold Medal with a new Olympic time of 29:54.66. She was followed by Elvan Abeylegesse of Turkey for the Silver Medal.
Shalane Flanagan of the United States earned the Bronze Medal with a new American record time of 30:22.22. Hers is only the second medal ever awarded to an American in that event.
(photo © Newscom)

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Twenty-nine-year-old Kara Goucher won the women’s 5000m event last night at the US Olympic Track & Field Qualifying Meet to secure herself a ticket to Beijing. The Minnesota native has battled injury and more than a few racing disappointments in her quest to compete in the Olympic Games. Goucher also qualified for the 10,000m race earlier in the week with a second place finish.
Joining her for the 5000m in Beijing will be second place finisher, Jennifer Rhines and third place finisher, Shalane Flanagan.