An elite runner from Portland says he's celebrating his new American record in the 10,000 meters by taking two weeks off from running. Late last week, 25-year-old Galen Rupp shattered the existing American record at a European track meet, where he finished in third place. Rupp crossed the line in 26 minutes, 48 seconds.
The former University of Oregon track star dissected his season on a conference call with reporters Tuesday. Rupp says after his down time is over, he and his coach will start thinking about how to get stronger for next year's season and the 2012 Olympics.
"I'm really happy with where I am at right now," he said. "I had a really good, solid year. It's another year of staying healthy and putting in a good amount of work. Each season you're able to do that in a row, everything compounds and builds on the season before."
Rupp says "if things go well," he may compete in two distance events at the London Olympics next year: the 5K and the 10K.
Rupp competed in the 10,000 meter run at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but did not medal.
On the Web:
Rupp's USATF Bio
http://www.usatf.org/Athletes/Bios/Rupp_Galen.asp
Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network
