UCLA’s Bolden knows Olympic drama

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A Bruin through and through, Jeanette Bolden, the U.S. women’s track coach, knows plenty about winning, having captured a gold medal in the 4x100 relay at the 1984 Olympics here in L.A. She just completed her 14th season directing the women’s track program at UCLA, her alma mater, but now is focusing on the Beijing Games and the track and field trials that begin Friday.

She met with the media yesterday in the Eugene, Ore., site of the trials. Here is an excerpt, courtesy of USA Track & Field:

Q: Could you talk about the drama of the Olympic Trials?

A: Fortunately and unfortunately, our system is fortunate for those three [per event] who make the team, and it’s unfortunate for everyone else trying to make the team. I’ll say this: you are going to see the best and the brightest in track and field. Whether or not they make the team, you are going to see the best and the brightest, and that’s what this is about, having the trials and going through our system and being here in Eugene. The athletes will be well supported and the fans will get to see track and field in its truest sense. The individuals know they can’t blame it on anyone else, it’s just you and the clock.

Read more excerpts from her day with the media and get a full TV schedule.

-- Debbie Goffa