Читать книгу Indiana University Olympians. From Leroy Samse to Lilly King онлайн

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Neville’s 2008 season began auspiciously when he won the national indoor championship at Boston in the 400 meters, his first major title. Yet that race did not include Jeremy Wariner, the defending gold medalist, or LaShawn Merritt, the favorites to take two of the three US team spots. Neville was one of many given a chance for third in the Olympic Trials at Eugene, Oregon.

Again, Neville drew lane 8 for the final. He ran scared. He ran into the lead through 300 meters, conceding he was “kind of shocked.” He was passed by Merritt and Wariner but comfortably claimed the third Olympic berth, clocking a personal best of 44.61, or four-tenths of a second ahead of fourth place. He did not take the traditional Hayward Field victory lap, explaining, “I didn’t feel too good afterward.”

Lead-up to the Olympic Games wasn’t too good, either. He raced poorly in Europe, then developed a sore Achilles tendon while training in China. He underwent near-constant medical treatment in Beijing.

In Olympic semifinals, two per heat qualified for the final, plus the next two fastest times. Neville was second in his semifinal in 44.91. Just as in Eugene, two medals seemed secure in the hands of Wariner and Merritt, followed by a mad dash for bronze.