US Olympic Track Trials: 5 Shocking Developments Early in the US Trials

The London 2012 Olympics have yet to get underway, but that doesn't mean the plot lines haven't thickened. The track and field trials in Eugene, OR have produced more than a few eyebrow-raising moments already.

From world records falling to former greats taking a fall of their own, here are the top five most shocking developments early on during the U.S. trials at Track Town.

5. Aging Former Medalists Eliminated

It happens during every Olympic qualifying event in any sport, but the changing of the guard has been evident already in Oregon.

Two-time silver medalist shot-putter Adam Nelson found himself among fellow notables David Neville and Joanna Hayes as some of the older athletes who failed to qualify for the 2012 games.

The decorated Nelson broke down in tears after being eliminated from competition and subsequently retired afterwards.

The now former shot-putter told The Times of India:

"

I hadn't planned on having my retirement or making my last big throws of the year today, I just wanted to wish the guys good luck and get off the field.

"

2008 400-meter Bronze medalist Neville will not get the chance to add to his collection in London, as he finished outside the top three in the trials at Track Town. While he did not follow his former Team USA teammate Nelson into retirement, it will be an even more difficult road for Neville when 2016 rolls around.

Hayes will also likely have hung up the running shoes by the time the next Olympic games. Now 35 years old, it's highly unlikely the 2004 100-meter hurdle gold medalist will be in the hunt in 2016.

She does however have motherhood to look forward to with her daughter, Zoe, just 18 months old. With her elimination from the 2012 games, Hayes seems to be headed into the next stage of her life post-hurdling.

4. Nick Symmonds Disapoints in 800-Meter Dash Semifinals

As a Dallas Cowboys fan, I find myself wondering if runner Nick Symmonds is about to feel the media's wrath about dating a celebrity prior to an important moment in his career.

Quarterback Tony Romo was torched for his involvement with Jessica Simpson several years ago, and it seems inevitable Symmonds will get more of the same now that reports have linked him to Paris Hilton.

"Three weeks out from the trials, I thought that would be a much-needed quick escape," the 28-year-old told Steve DelVecchio of Larry Brown Sports about his date with Hilton.

Symmonds now finds himself with plenty of time to get to know the socialite better after failing to qualify for London after being considered the favorite in the 800. Considering that race is his area of expertise and his less-than-stellar fifth place finish in Beijing, this is yet another lackluster chapter in the talented runner's career.

3. Defending Olympic Decathlon Champion Bryan Clay Fails to Qualify for London

Talk about going from first to worst. Bryan Clay and Ashton Eaton were two of Team USA's biggest names in Eugene and were supposed to light up the track in London. In particularly mediocre fashion, Clay failed to qualify for the 2012 games and thus will not be joining Eaton.

Clay made contact with the ninth of 10 hurdles during the decathlon trial and then fouled three straight times in the discuss.

The distraught athlete caught up with Luke Cyphers of ESPN to discuss the disappointment:

"

It's the worst feeling ever...There's just no way to explain to people. You train every single day, six, seven days a week, six, seven hours a day...Everything, everything you do gets put into this, and then to have it slip through your fingers ...

"

At 32 years of age, there's little chance that Clay will get the chance to redeem himself at the next Olympic games. It's a sad possible end to the decorated athlete's days wearing red, white and blue, but it's also a huge blow to Team USA in general.

Regardless of his poor showing, Clay is still one of the best the U.S. has in terms of decathlon talent, but he will be of no use to his country at the London games due to this performance.

2. Tie for Third Place in Women's 100-Meter Dash

In an unprecedented turn of events, the third place finish in the women's 100-meter dash ended in a tie. Allyson Felix and Jeneba Tarmoh finished at exactly the same time of 11.068 seconds Saturday.

The decision of who will be sent to London will apparently be delayed according to Sam Borden of the New York Times.

The United States Track and Field Association do not have a tiebreaker in place to determine which of the two sprinters should move on.

This is normally where I'd spout off on an analysis on this news, but it's not like you can claim one of these women deserves the spot over the other; they did finish at the exact same time after all. Only time will tell whether Tarmoh or Felix will be Olympic-bound for the United States, but it's a result that will leave the nation in good hands regardless.

Tarmoh took third place at the United States outdoor championships last year while Felix is a two-time Olympic silver medalist.

1. Ashton Eaton Breaks the Record Books

While Bryan Clay disappointed in Eugene after the decathlon, it was largely overlooked immediately afterwards considering Ashton Eaton set the new world record for the event.

Eaton covered 1,500 meters in four minutes and 14.48 seconds, leaving him with a total of 9,039 points in the decathlon.

This remarkable output broke Dan O'Brien's 1992 American record and Roman Serble's 9,026 point world record.

"It's like living an entire lifetime in two days," the new world record holder told Eddie Pells of the Associated Press.

Eaton couldn't head into the 2012 games with more hype and more momentum. He has to be the odds-on favorite to emerge as the gold medalist in the decathlon. You know, considering he's the reigning world record holder for the event.

While it would be ideal for the Americans to have Clay going to London alongside Eaton, they now have the front-runner to win the event on their side.