(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-05 07:09

NEW YORK: Top distance runner Ryan Shay died during the US men's Olympic marathon trials on Saturday after collapsing about 5 1/2 miles into the race. He was 28.

New York Road Runners president Mary Wittenberg said Shay was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital and was pronounced dead at 8:46 a.m.

"It cuts a knife through everybody's hearts," Wittenberg said.

Wittenberg said Shay received immediate medical attention. "There were several layers of medical response," she said. "It was very quick."

Shay of Flagstaff, Arizona, hit the ground near the Central Park boathouse, a popular Manhattan tourist spot, during the 42km qualifier for the Beijing Games. The death came a day before the New York City Marathon.

"He was a tremendous champion who was here today to pursue his dreams," said Craig Masback, chief executive of US track and field's governing body. "The Olympic trials is traditionally a day of celebration, but we are heartbroken."

Shay was a favorite going into the 2004 trials but was hampered by a hamstring strain and finished 23rd. He was the 2003 US marathon champion and was third at this year's US 25K championships. He also won the US half marathon in 2003 and 2004. He was the NCAA 10,000m champion in 2001, the first national individual title in track for Notre Dame.

Shay was also the US 20km road racing champion in 2004, making him a four-time national champion.

His wife, Alicia, is also a top distance runner. She was a two-time NCAA champion and the collegiate 10,000m record-holder during her days running as Alicia Craig at Stanford. She and Ryan met at the 2005 New York City Marathon and they married in July. Alicia was hoping to make it to Beijing in the women's 10,000 meters.

"My thoughts and prayers just go out to them and their family," said winner Ryan Hall, a college teammate of Alicia's at Stanford. "It's a sad thing."

Shay, who was born in Michigan and graduated from Notre Dame, qualified for the trials at the 2006 Twin Cities Marathon.

"It's a big loss for the running community," said 2004 women's marathon Olympic bronze medalist, Deena Kastor, who once trained with Shay. "It's a day we should be celebrating. It has cast a pall. The distance running community is very close."

Agencies

(China Daily 11/05/2007 page12)