Clarkston race walker Gary Morgan, profiled in the May/June Michigan Runner, succeeded in his quest to make the U.S. team for the World Cup races at Naumburg, Germany May 1 and 2.

The 44-year-old's finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials 50K Race Walk in Kansas City allowed him to compete at that distance during the World Cup.

It was Morgan's 18th appearance as an American team competitor in international competition, according to Steve Vaitones, USA Track & Field/New England Managing Director. That's the most of any U.S. race walker.

Unfortunately, Morgan never fully recovered from the Trials, then injured a hamstring before the World Cup. He was forced to drop out near the 20K mark. The DNF was a dubious first for him.

Vaitones said Morgan's hamstring began acting up in the first 2.5 kilometers. Although he gamely continued, by 20K he was forced to stop.

While recovering, Morgan - a 1988 U.S. race walk Olympian - is looking forward to the Athens Games later this summer. He has secured a post as a volunteer while his injuries heal. MR