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The 100-meter dash begins with a pistols fire and ends just seconds later. But the road to the Olympics in this event is much, much longer.It takes years of practice and training and races. And as fast as you might be, to make the U.S. Olympic team, you must go to the track and field trials held barely a month ahead of the Games. You must run a race one afternoon against some of the best sprinters in the country and finish among the top three, or be among the very fastest who did not in five preliminary heats. And then you must run again the next day and also finish among the top qualifiers in the semis. And then, shortly afterward, you must go to the line again, take your position in the starting blocks, listen for that gun to fire -- then race down the track and finish among the top three.If you do, youre going to the Olympics to represent your country and try for a gold medal. If you dont, you can either give up your Olympic dreams or train and fight and run four more years to get to that starting line to hear that pistol fire again.Whats it like? Heres a look at the 100-meter run and the great athletes who ran it at the U.S. track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon. When English Gardner didnt make the Olympic team at the 2012 U.S. trials, she went to her car and cried her eyes out. As she positioned herself in the starting blocks at the current trials, she was determined to run fast -- and walk off happy, proud and an Olympian. Justin Gatlin won gold in the 100 at the 2004 Olympics. He is now 34, his hair is graying and his reputation has been tainted by two PED suspensions. But he is still running fast and shooting for gold in Rio. Joe Morris says you almost hold your breath during the 100. After advancing in a heat, he also probably was holding his breath in hopes that he would be one of the top three fastest sprinters so as to qualify for the Olympic team. The road to Rio is not an easy one. It is a road that begins many years before you place your feet in the starting blocks at trials, at which point your destination might be reached in 100 meters -- or your road ended. As we see the shadowy forms of women sprinters in one of the 100 semis, the questions are: Who will advance to the finals, and who will go on to Rio? Tyson Gay has the second-fastest time in history in the 100 and has been on two Olympic teams. But he has never medaled and he will not run the 100 in Rio after finishing fifth at these trials. Starting off fast is one thing in the 100, but finishing faster -- and stronger -- is more important. English Gardner had the form midway through the final. But did she have the finish, as well? Jenna Prandini had her fingers on the track and her hopes high in her heart, but she did not finish in the top three and qualify for the 100 in Rio. Shalonda Solomon crosses the finish line to advance in an early 100 heat. Unfortunately, she was not able to do so in the semifinals. Justin Gatlin says that, at 60 or 70 meters, its all about running strong, fast and tall. If you think too much, then Youre reaching for something that isnt there. Trayvon Bromell (bottom) says just keep your knees up and keep going. (Audio Trayvon Bromell) Justin Gatlin won the 100 final in 9.8, the fastest time in the world this year. I got down on one knee after I crossed the finish line and was crying inside. (Audio Justin Gatlin) Tori Bowie was happy when she advanced to the final in the 100. She was even happier when she finished third in the final to qualify for her first Olympic team. As glorious and happy as the Olympic trials can be for the qualifiers, it can be devastating for the ones who fall short. Jeff Demps knew that feeling after losing in a 100 heat. Yes, English Gardner did, winning the 100 final in 10:74, the second-fastest in the world this year, edging Tianna Bartoletta (center) and Tori Bowie (right). With the help of these ladies, we were able to give the show that we promised from the beginning. Tori Bowie reflects during a moment in the sun. Since 2012, Ive been saying that whatever happened today, Im going to be thankful. Is Justin Gatlin pointing to the crowd after his win or pointing toward Rio? My family had their tickets, so it put the pressure on me to make sure I punch my ticket. After crossing the line to win, English Gardner quickly thought back to crying in the car in 2012. This time, any tears were those of happiness. Marvin Bracy was clearly delighted to make the Olympic team with his third-place finish. It was so emotional, though, By the time I get back to the hotel, Ill probably break down in tears. (Audio Trayvon Bromell) Tianna Bartoletta not only qualified for Rio in the 100 but also will compete there in the long jump, something very few women have done in the Olympics. As hard as running the 100 is, adding the long jump might be even more impressive. Cheap Shoes 2020 . -- Arizona knocked off some quality opponents, rolled over a few overmatched ones and grinded out victories even when things didnt go so well. Cheap Shoes Wholesale .C. -- When North Carolina freshman Ryan Switzer reported to training camp in August he was a little miffed to learn he was third on the depth chart at punt returner. https://www.cheapshoesdiscount.com/ .In my heart and mind Im competing for India, luge competitor Shiva Keshavan told The Associated Press in an email interview. Every day Im flooded with messages from Indians all over the world telling me they are supporting me. Cheap Shoes Replica . -- Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts will likely be a game-time decision whether hell play Sunday in the Jaguars home game against the San Diego Chargers. Cheap Shoes Discount . -- Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Alrdridge were again the go-to duo for the Trail Blazers against the Kings. The rest of the hockey world began narrowing the gap a long time ago. But make no mistake, Canada remains the team to beat in these tournaments, having won four of the past five best-on-best events dating back to the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, and then adding victories at the last World Cup in 2004, the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and of course the most recent test, the 2014 Games in Sochi. Overall, going back to the inaugural Canada Cup (later renamed World Cup) in 1976, Canada has won eight of the 12 best-on-best events staged in the history of the sport. So of course the road to victory in this years World Cup goes through the host team. But that is not to say Canada is unbeatable, however. Far from it.How Team Canada could winWhere to start? The back-to-back Olympic champs are loaded up front, led by?Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, John Tavares, Steven Stamkos, Joe Thornton and Claude Giroux. Team Canada is?once again a whos who of superstars up and down its four forward lines.A big key was that head coach Mike Babcock identified early in training camp the two wingers who will play with Crosby -- ?Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron?--?potentially solving a riddle, finding a line fit for his best player, that had perplexed him throughout the past two Olympics. That trio showed immediate chemistry during the first day of camp.In goal, the 1-2-3 punch of Carey Price, Braden Holtby and Corey Crawford is matched perhaps only by Team USAs netminders in terms of quality and depth, although most observers agree that Price is the best goalie in the world when hes back in form. The coaching staff, led by Babcock, has star- and brain-power. It features Joel Quenneville, Claude Julien, Barry Trotz and up-and-comer Bill Peters. This team will be expertly prepared.Price was steady in Sochi when tested, but never had to steal a game, as Canadas keep-away, puck-possession strategy on the bigger ice delivered a surgical, undefeated Olympic performance. Now that Team Canada is back on NHL-sized ice, the system has been tweaked. But the stars both on the ice and behind the bench are aiming for a similar result -- and desire to own the puck.How Team Canada could loseDuncan Keiths?absence because of innjury is potentially devastating.dddddddddddd. If this team has any soft underbelly, its on the left side of its defense. Marc-Edouard Vlasic has proven to be up to the task, elevating his game both in Sochi and in the NHL the past few years to become one of the leagues top defensemen, but he doesnt have the offensive talent that Keith does, and the drop-off to an aging Jay Bouwmeester and Team Canada newcomer Jake Muzzin is real. It has led to right-handed Alex Pietrangelo beginning camp playing on the left side, which is something Babcock would rather avoid but clearly feels has no choice but to do.If Canada falters, critics will wonder why a guy like Kris Letang?or P.K. Subban,?though both right-handed, werent named after their outstanding seasons. The right-left defense debate will rage on in hockey-mad Canada if the host team loses.Another wild card for Canada is Prices form. The goalie missed most of last season with a knee injury. Its been nine months since he has played a real game. Can he shake off the rust in time to lead Canada to a World Cup title? Would Babcock consider pulling him for Holtby or Crawford midway through the tourney -- like he did Martin Brodeur for Roberto Luongo at the 2010 Games -- if he feels Price hasnt found his A-game? Its something to monitor, to be sure.What to watch for: As Stamkos goes, so goes CanadaStamkos has waited for this chance for a long time. A broken leg robbed him of a trip to Sochi in 2014 in what would have been his first Olympics. Hes champing at the bit to make his mark at this stage for his native country. He also happens to be the best pure goal scorer on this ridiculously talented team. He has spent most of camp and pretournament on a line with Logan Couture and Toews, a very responsible, two-way unit that obviously still has offensive firepower. Stamkos observed during camp that Toews was underrated offensively, that he is always on the right side of the puck, which creates opportunities for a shooter like Stamkos. If Canada does win again, look for the Tampa Bay Lightning captain to be a central figure. ' ' '