EUGENE, Ore. --- Portland alum Scott Fauble just missed punching an automatic ticket to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio by finishing fourth in the 10,000 meters at U.S.A's Track & Field Olympic Trials at historic Hayward Field on Friday night.
 
Staying close to the top of the pack for most of the race, Fauble remained in good position to compete for the top three spots, which would represent Team U.S.A in Brazil in August. Fauble crossed the line at 28:45:53, placing fourth behind the top finisher Galen Rupp.
 
"Fauble showed everyone who he is, one of the toughest and best tactical racers in the US. All of his greatest attributes were on display." said former coach Rob Conner, who was present at the race. "The way Galen was surging wiped out the entire field until only a few guys were still effective. Fauble has an uncanny ability to know what he needs to do during a race. He made great decisions based on what the other guys were doing and in the end it allowed him to nearly make the Olympic team! It was really impressive." 

Shadrack Kipchirchir placed second, and Leonard Korir claimed the third automatic qualifying spot. Rupp ran a blistering final lap to finish with a time of 27:55:04.

"I'm disappointed I didn't make the Olympic team, but it just wasn't good enough," said Fauble, "I'm going to race again in Eugene at the end of the month and then keep the season going through August."
 
Earlier this year, Fauble ran a personal best in the 10,000 with a time of 28:00:43, which earned him a qualifying spot in the Olympic Trials. Fauble graduated in 2015 after a decorated collegiate career at UP.