Tollefson's 16:20.15 Fails to Qualify for US Olympic Trials

Described by Carrie Tollefson as her last chance to attain at least the US Olympic Trials "B" standard of 15:50, she finished 12th last night at the Portland Track Festival, in 16:20.16. It was her fourth major attempt to qualify for the US Trials. In early April she ran 16:26.63 at the Hamline Invitational in Minnesota. She then ran 16:12.64 at Stanford at the Payton Jordan Invitational on April 29th. Her third attempt -- at the OXY High Performance meet three weeks ago -- was thwarted when she was clipped from behind, lost her spike, and was forced into a DNF. Last night's 16:20.16 dims the hope that she can attain sufficient fitness to achieve the Trials standard. One is left to wonder: is Carrie Tollefson's competitive career at an end?

PORTLAND TRACK FESTIVAL -- JUNE 9, 2012

5000 Meter Run Elite Open Women
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      Name                    Team                Finals
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 1.   Renee Metivier Baillie  Unattached          15:28.56
 2.   Kellyn Johnson          Adidas Mcmil        15:31.66
 3.   Tara Erdmann            Charisma Sports     15:33.92
 4.   Amy Van Alstine         Adidas/McMil        15:45.93
 5.   Laura Thweatt           Boulder Track Club  15:46.05
 6.   Betzy Jimenez           Unattached          15:49.44
 7.   Rachel Ward             Ragged Mount        15:50.11
 8.   Meghan Peyton           Unattached          15:54.97
 9.   Lisa Corriagan          Unattached          15:54.99
10.   Katie McGregor          Reebok              16:01.26
11.   Angela Bizzarri         Brooks              16:12.00
12.   Carrie Tollefson        Unattached          16:20.16
13.   Lauren Bonds            Unattached          16:33.66
14.   Kelsey Jones            Runners Roost       16:37.21
15.   Karlee Coffey           Unattached          16:40.86
16.   Catha Mullen            New Balance         16:51.60
17.   Sarah Lee               Unattached          17:02.74
18.   Sabrina Wilkie          Unattached          17:11.10