Galaviz, Hastings advance in distance races at Olympic trials

Lisa Galaviz ran the fifth-fastest time in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase and Amy Hastings finished 16th in the women’s 5,000m run as both former members of the Arizona State University track & field program advanced to the finals of their respective events following the semifinal round of competition at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field Monday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Galaviz (formerly Aguilera), the American record-holder in the event, clocked a time of 9:52.66 to finish fifth overall and earn one of the 12 positions in the final of the steeplechase. Her former teammate, Kelly Strong (MacDonald), clocked in at 10:13.70 and placed 17th overall, missing out on advancing to the finals. Hastings, who competed in the women’s 10,000m run final on Friday, ran 15:53.90 in the 5,000m run on Monday and placed 16th, earning the final qualifying position into the finals.

The Trials, following rest days on Tuesday and Wednesday, will continue on Thursday with seven athletes with ties to the program competing. Galaviz will look to punch her ticket to Beijing in the only final of the day involving the Sun Devils while six other will compete in their first events of the meet including April Kubishta in the women’s pole vault qualifying, Jessica Pressley and Sarah Stevens in the women’s shot put qualifying and the trio of Kyle Alcorn, Aaron Aguayo and Ryan Warrenburg in the semifinals of the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.


U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field - Day Four (Monday, June 30)
Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase - Semifinal
5. Lisa Galaviz - 9:52.66 - advances to final
17. Kelly Strong - 10:13.70

Women’s 5,000m Run - Semifinal
16. Amy Hastings - 15:53.90 - advances to final