The Nike Pre Classic is the legacy of one Steve Prefontaine. A 24-year-old man, at the time of his death, Prefontaine challenged himself to see how much he could hurt, how much he could endure. He loved the crowds at Hayward Field, and he was one of the first sponsored athletes by Nike, a new brand at the time, with some cool shoes and a rock star athlete.
In Hayward Field, one finds one of the few true athletic stadiums in the world. As one walks around the stadium, one finds images of the many heroes that wore Oregon uniforms over the past century.
Sam Fariss has been writing for us this summer, and she seems to have an affection for athletics and a crisp writing style. I like both of those talents.
I hope you enjoy Sam's piece on Sifan Hassan.
Her race be won, Sifan Hassan puts it all on the line, photo by How Lao Photography
Sifan Hassan falls short of world record
By Sam Fariss for RunBlogRun
EUGENE, Ore. - Sifan Hassan announced just days before the Nike Pre Classic that she would attempt to break the world record in the women's 5000 meters but when it came down to the actual race, she could not meet the mark. Despite performing far from the record all season, Hassan believed she had it in her and might as well make the attempt.
Sifan Hassan leaves it all on Hayward Field, photo by How Lao Photography
This Pre Classic was different from those of the past in the sense that there was a tracking light around the track which displayed the projected pace set by the rabbits, the world record, and the American record.
Sifan Hassan, its the pace lights and Sifan, photo by How Lao Photography
Despite staying with the world record track light for nearly half of the race, Hassan began to fall behind once the rabbits dropped out of the race. As the laps passed, Hassan fell farther and farther behind the world record pace.
Hassan fell off the pace, but finished with vigor. With just under 800 meters remaining in the race, Hassan seemed to regain some of her intensity,
"The last two laps I knew I wasn't going to break the world record. I just want to finish strong and run hard," Hassan said.
Hassan came to Eugene after an incredible performance in Tokyo where she had an absolutely incredible performance. The Dutch runner earned three medals in three events at the Olympic Games - gold in the 10000, gold in the 5000, and bronze in 1500.
"I'm in shape, but I'm just tired. I'm not fresh," Hassan said.
Sifan Hassan, a good 5000m effort, just not the WR, photo by How Lao Photography
With five possible meets left in the Diamond League circuit, the runner's season is not over yet so fans will have to wait and see if there is another world record attempt in the books.
Sifan Hassan, photo by How Lao Photography
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