6/19/08

In an event ruled by uncertainty, pole vaulter Tommy Skipper can look to the crowd for support

Tommy Skipper's experience in the Prefontaine Classic won't be a career highlight, but it hasn't soured the former University of Oregon pole vault star on Hayward Field.

Skipper broke a pole, suffered a gash over his right eye and cleared only one bar at the Pre Classic. That doesn't mean he takes it personally, because he knows he will have a stadium full of fans pulling for him at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

"I hope they know how much I appreciate the support," Skipper said. "I've always been excited to have so many people behind me in Eugene. It was an amazing experience being there."