PORTLAND, Maine — Four Mainers are competing to reach the finish line — to the Olympics, that is.
Track-and-field athletes hit the circuit Friday night in Eugene, Oregon, in hopes of securing a spot on the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team and heading to Paris.
Cumberland native Victoria Bossong ran in the 800-meter race. She currently runs track at Harvard University. Bossong must place in the top six of her heat or have one of the three fastest times to advance to the semifinal Sunday.
Two other Mainers ran in the 5K race.
Rachel Smith, formerly Schneider, of Sanford, attempted to make her second trip to the Olympics in this event. She will also run in the 10K competition next week.
Orono High School graduate Hannah Steelman competed in the 800. Steelman ran in college at Wofford College and North Carolina State University where she was an 11-time All-American.
Smith and Steelman are in the same heat and need to place in the top six or have one of the next four fastest times to advance to Monday's final.
In the 5,000-meter semi-final Friday night, Smith qualified for the finals. She'll be back on the track Monday for the 5,000-meter finals and will also run in the 10,000-meter trials next Saturday. If she qualifies, this will be her second trip to the Olympics.
Also next week, Lewiston native Isaiah Harris will run in the 800.
The athletes are competing at Hayward Stadium at the University of Oregon's campus where track and fielders say it's one of the best venues in the world.
The Team USA track team is one of the toughest teams to qualify for, and members this year are expected to bring home medals from Paris.
The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremonies are about a month away. Be sure to tune in to NEWS CENTER Maine on air and on our app to see your favorite athletes compete in Paris.