Two Minnesotans make Olympic track team

Shani Marks
Minnesota native Shani Marks competes in the women's triple jump final during day three of the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

(AP) - Two Minnesotans have qualified for the Olympics in track and field events.

Shani Marks of Apple Valley finished first in Sunday's Triple Jump Finals in Eugene, Oregon. Marks is a former University of Minnesota All-American who still trains at the university.

Also, Duluth native Kara Goucher qualified for the U.S. Olympic team after finishing second in the final of the women's 10,000 meters.

Kara Goucher
Duluth native Kara Goucher smiles from the podium after receiving the silver medal in the women's 10,000 meter final during day one of the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Goucher will run again Monday in the semifinals of the 5,000 race in Eugene.

Goucher didn't get past the semifinals in 2004, but things are looking up for her now. In August, she placed third in the 10,000 race at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan.

She was the first American woman to earn a medal in that event in world competition.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.