Neighbor News
McGovern Qualifies for Record 8th Olympic Trials Appearance
Local resident qualifies for record 8th successive Olympic Track & Field Trials
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CONTACT: Dave McGovern
845.709.2152
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Valley Cottage, NY, 20 December, 2015 – Valley Cottage, NY, 20 December, 2015 – Locust Valley resident Dave McGovern was successful today in qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials in the 50K race walk. In doing so, McGovern becomes the only man in US history to qualify to compete in eight consecutive United States Olympic Track & Field Trials.
McGovern recently placed 8th at the 2015 US 50k Championships in San Diego, but temperatures climbing into the 90s slowed times considerably. Today’s temperatures remained in the low 40s, ideal for long-distance racing.
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A long-time member of the US National Team, McGovern has competed for Team USA on nearly 20 International teams, including seven World Cups, and won 14 US National Championships during his 30-year-long career. “I guess I’m a bit of an Iron Horse. Although I never managed to make the Olympic Team, I’ve been able to maintain a fairly high level of fitness for a long stretch. My father died of a heart attack at 46 which has been great motivation to keep fit. I don’t have any plans beyond the Olympic Trials, but I can’t imagine hanging up my shoes any time soon!”
Formerly a 20k specialist, McGovern placed 5th at the 1992 Olympic 20k Trials, and with a personal best of 1:24:29, he is the fastest 20k walker in US history to not make an Olympic Team. McGovern’s 50k personal best is 4:29:02 and his best 50k Trials finish was 7th in 2004.
The Olympic 50k Trials take place in Santee, CA on February 21st.
