July 5, 2008

EUGENE, Ore. - Three-time Olympian and 1996 gold medalist Allen Johnson's bid for a fourth consecutive Olympic berth fell short Saturday afternoon in Eugene, Ore. as he was forced to drop out of the 110 meter hurdles qualifying round. Johnson pulled up after just a few hurdles in the opening round of qualifying and will miss the Olympics for just the first time in the last 12 years. Adam Shunk placed sixth in the high jump as he cleared 7-4 1/4 falling an inch and a half shy of the Olympic A standard. The trials will wrap up on Sunday as Erin Donohue looks to be the fourth Tar Heel to earn a trip to Beijing as she competes in the 1500 meter final.

Johnson who was battling an injury to his posterior tibialis tendon that he suffered about six weeks ago was searching for his fourth consecutive Olympic bid. After a few hurdles Johnson was forced to pull up and was unable to finish the race.

"After the first hurdle as I kept going, the pain just got progressively worse. This is really disappointing for me. I just wanted to try and go back, but I'll be at home watching it on TV," Johnson said. "I'm done for the year and now I'll go back and try and get this thing healed, maybe have surgery on it."

Shunk passed on 7-0 1/4 before clearing 7-2 1/4 and 7-4 1/4 on one attempt apiece vaulting him into a tie for sixth place off the bat. He would then pass on 7-5 1/4, a half inch shy of the Olympic A standard, and attempt 7-6 1/2. Shunk missed on all three attempts as he was forced to make a run at a new personal best as he was missing the Olympic A standard.

Sunday will represent the 10th day of the US Olympic Trials which have seen impressive performances from several current and former Tar Heels. One final Tar Heel will be in action on Sunday as Erin Donohue looks to join Shalane Flanagan (5000, 10000), Blake Russell (marathon) and Alice Schmidt (800) heading to Beijing in August. Donohue owns the third fastest time to date in the race and will need to finish in the top three to punch her ticket for Beijing.