The 10,000 meters world bronze medallist had already booked her spot in the U.S. squad at that event and she will double up in the Chinese capital after clocking 15:01.02 in the 5,000 meters to claim her first national title.

“Winning that was a huge accomplishment for me and it was really awesome but right now I’m really sad,” a tearful Goucher told reporters after watching husband Adam fail to make the 10,000 meters team.

He finished a non-qualifying seventh after successfully petitioning to enter the event ahead of seven faster runners.

Somalian-born Abdi Abdirahman won in 27:41.89 with Oregon collegian Galen Rupp second in 27:43.11. The third and final spot went to Jorge Torres in 27:46.33.

Adam Goucher was another 13 seconds back in 27:59.31 but was never a contender. He declined comment after the race.

His wife stayed among the leaders throughout the 5,000, then sprinted into the lead coming off the final bend.

Jen Rhines finished second in 15:02.02 with 10,000 meters trials winner Shalane Flanagan also set to double up in Beijing after taking the third and final berth in 15:02.81.

Earlier, world champions Tyson Gay and Allyson Felix easily advanced past the first round of the 200 metres.

Gay won his preliminary race in a comfortable 20.43 seconds and Felix was a heat winner in 22.68 seconds.

“It was pretty smooth,” Gay, back in action for the first time since his 100 metres victory on Sunday, told reporters.

“I just used the first run to get the cobwebs out,” he added. “It was about the time I wanted to run.”

His right hip is a little sore from four rounds in the 100 meters but otherwise there are no problems.

Olympic champion Shawn Crawford led qualifying in 20.18 seconds with Gay second fastest.

The leading contenders also advanced in the women’s 200 meters.

Felix, Marshevet Hooker and the three members of the U.S. 100 meters team — Muna Lee, Torri Edwards and Lauryn Williams — also went through to Saturday’s quarter-finals.

Favourites also advanced in the men’s 1,500 meters semi-finals.

World champion Bernard Lagat, U.S. mile record holder Alan Webb and Sudan-born Lopez Lomong all qualified for Sunday’s final.

An off-form Breaux Greer was not as fortunate in men’s javelin qualifying.

The colorful national record holder, still recovering from a 2007 shoulder injury, could only muster a throw of 67.20 meters and failed to progress.

Subscribe to The China Post and save.  Click hereSharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 800 characters max

Receive China Post promos

Respond to this email