EUGENE -- Galen Rupp's turn at the U.S. Olympic trials has arrived. Oregon's most promising distance runner, perhaps, since the late Steve Prefontaine, will attempt to make the U.S. team in the 10,000 meters at 9:20 tonight.

When he's through, cue the fireworks.

Rupp, a 22-year-old from Portland, has anticipated this moment for four years.

After setting U.S. high school records at 3,000 and 5,000 meters in the summer after his graduation from Central Catholic, Rupp's journey into elite running has been marked by breathtaking performances punctuated by occasional illness, minor injuries and a near tragedy. He has helped fuel a new running boom in Eugene as a member of Oregon's track team and last summer raced at the World Championships.