2000 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials @ CSU, Sacramento

More than 1,000 of the nation's top athletes will converge at Hornet Stadium this summer, each hoping the 2000 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials competition is her or his launching pad to the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

The Trials will be an intense 10-day affair. The competition is the only way for track and field athletes to make the U.S. Olympic Team, and just the three top finishers in each of 21 men's and 19 women's events will be chosen. Years of struggle and sacrifice are on the line.

For Sac State, the event means national attention as never before. Thousands of spectators and hundreds of reporters from around the world will be here July 14-23 for a preview of future Olympians. NBC is planning to air eight hours of live coverage.

The Trials are also the national debut of the University's new, $1.5 million track and field facility.

Fast and narrow, the track was built to be one of the best in the nation. It is already helping coaches recruit top track and field prospects. And this summer's competition is just the first of many high-profile competitions it will help attract.

Already, there is growing anticipation and excitement throughout the Capital Region. Almost half the tickets to the Trials have already been sold. Hundreds of people have volunteered to work at the event. And numerous CSUS departments are putting together a special, Olympics-related showcase for those who will be visiting the campus.

And for at least three CSUS students, the Trials are the fulfillment of long-held dreams (click on Home Town Heroes photos for full stories).