Slideshow: Eaton holds big lead in decathlon at U.S. Olympic trials

Last modified: June 22. 2012 11:12PM PST

Ashton Eaton celebrates after setting a [world record time of 10:21] in the 100-meter opening event in the decathlon at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Ore. Friday.
Rob Kerr / The Bulletin

EUGENE — Bend's Ashton Eaton started off the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials Friday with a decathlon 100 meters world record of 10.21 seconds, then immediately followed that with another decathlon world record in the long jump (27 feet).

The 24-year-old leads the decathlon competition with 4,728 points heading into Saturday's final five events.

Reigning world champion Trey Hardee is in second place (4,406 points) and defending Olympic champion Bryan Clay is in third (4,252).

If he has another strong performance Saturday at Hayward Field, Eaton will win the trials and will be the clear gold medal favorite at the 2012 London Olympics.

For more on this story, please return to www.bendbulletin.com tomorrow or pick up tomorrow's print edition.

View The Bulletin's commenting policy »