By Duncan Mackay

Eugene TrackTownApril 11 - Eugene will host the 2016 Olympic trials for the third consecutive time, USA Track and Field (USATF) announced today.


USATF chief executive Max Siegel made the announcement at the Oregon State Capitol.

It will be the sixth time Eugene has hosted the event, probably the most competitive trials for the Olympics in any sport anywhere in the world, including for last year's Olympics in London. 

The city is known as "TrackTown" and was the hometown of Bill Bowerman, who coached the University of Oregon athletics team, but is perhaps better known as the founder of Nike, along with Philip Knight. 

"Last year, Hayward Field provided a backdrop for our Olympic team, which went on to dominate the Olympics in a way that was the best performance in a generation, and we believe that bringing the trials back to 'TrackTown' will prepare the team for an equally impressive performance in Rio," said Siegel.

USA Track and Field ChampionshipsEugene has hosted the USA Olympic trials on five previous occasions

Eugene has previously played host to the trials in 1972, 1976, 1980 and 2008, as well as 2012.

"The state of Oregon really embraces the sport of track and field," Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber said.

"It's in our DNA."

Eugene was chosen despite interest from Des Moines, Iowa, site of site of the annual Drake Relays and this year's USA Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

"It's our responsibility to try to host events across the country," said Siegel.

"But the history we had with 'TrackTown', both operationally and commercially, was one of the things that tipped it. 

"We're very excited to come back to Eugene, but I don't think anyone can set the bar high enough that someone else can't get over it.

"We made it clear in our discussions with Eugene, this is something that the city has to continue to earn.

"Frankly, there are some other markets out there that are really stepping up, that value this opportunity.

"I think it makes our event better."

Tyson Gay US Olympic trials 2012Tyson Gay was one of the stars of last year's US Olympic trials

Kari Westlund, the chief executive of Travel Lane County, the official visitor information and destination website for Eugene and surrounding regions in Oregon, claimed that the economic impact of the 2008 trials was estimated at $28 million (£18 million/€21 million), and more than $31 million (£20 million/€24 million) in 2012 after more seating was installed at Hayward Field.

"I don't think it's an event that we'll ever take for granted," she said.

"It's one that needs to be approached with a great sense of stewardship anytime we're honoured to receive it."

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