Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Rhines Will Not Double at Worlds -- Focus is on the 10,000


Jen Rhines earned a spot on Team USA at both 5000 meters and 10,000 meters, by virtue of (a) attaining an "A" standard at both distances and (b) her finishing place at both races at USA Nationals. At Nationals Jen was third at 10,000 meters, and with her "A" standard she automatically made the team at that distance. Jen doubled back and finished 4th in the 5000 at Nationals, a race won by American Record holder Molly Huddle. Because neither Amy Hastings (2nd place) nor Angela Bizzarri (3rd place) ever attained the "A" standard, only Hastings (as the only allowable "B" standard athlete) earned a spot on the team. With Bizzarri out, Rhines now had the rights to the third spot on the 5000 meter, joining Huddle and Hastings. However, Rhines decided to focus solely on the 10,000 at the World Championships and gave up her right to the third spot at 5,000. Desiree Davila, next in line for the spot, also reneged, so the final spot at 5000 meters went to Lauren Fleshman.

So, the teams are as such:

5000 meters
1. Molly Huddle (A)
2. Amy Hastings (B)
3. Lauren Fleshman (A)

10,000 meters
1. Shalane Flanagan (A)
2. Kara Goucher (A)
3. Jen Rhines (A)

No comments:

Post a Comment