DES MOINES, Iowa — As more and more athletes exceeded the qualifying standard over the past few months, Ashton Eaton’s decathlon entry at the U.S. Olympic Trials became less and less secure.

Now, the Oregon sophomore is an 8,000-point scorer and NCAA champion. With a Hayward Field crowd cheering his every move, could he become an Olympian at age 20?

“It’s in the back of my mind,” Eaton said “I’m here right now. I’ve still got people to cheer on. Maybe even a job to do in the 4x4.”

Mercifully, Eaton’s day was done Thursday after finishing the 1,500 meters. The Ducks ran without him in the 4x400 relay.