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track and fieldSACRAMENTO-

The U.S. Track and Field Championships began in earnest today at Sacramento State University.

The shot put event was staged at the State Capitol building on Wednesday to kick off the competition, which runs through Sunday.

The championship meet is an effort for the city to make a future bid for major track and field events.  It was the epicenter of track during the early 2000’s hosting the Olympic Trials in 2000 and 2004.  The NCAA also held its championship here.

A repeat engagement is dependent on drawing 22,500 people to Hornet Stadium over four days.  Weather with 80 degree temperatures and a gentile breeze may help attendance.  During the Olympic trials 10 years ago, temperatures were in the triple digits.

Jack D’Angelo of Carmichael was in attendance.

“We were sticking to each other in 2004.  It was too hot,” said D’Angelo.

Track athletes used to summer weather in the east and south were enjoying the vacation.  Sacramento’s summertime reputation is well known.

“I heard it was actually in the triple digits before I got here, and I was so relieved when I got here, it was in the eighties. It’s perfect for me. I love it,” long jumper Jessie Gaines said.

Temperatures will heat up and may be in the 90’s by the finals on Sunday.

That’s O.K. with world champion hurdler David Oliver, who ran in Sacramento for the Olympic Trials.  He enjoys the balmy weather but says he the heat will be good for the finals.

“I train in Florida and it’s always hot and humid this weather is perfect for me,” said Oliver.

The first day of running events draws a lot of friends and family of athletes.  The weekend should see the big crowds organizers are expecting when the semi-final and final events are run.