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US Marathon Runner Dies in Olympic Trials

Ryan Shay collapsed 5 miles into the race

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2007 1:26 PM CDT

(Newser) – Four-time US long-distance champion Ryan Shay died today during Olympic marathon trials in New York City, the AP reports. Shay, 28, collapsed about 5 miles into the 26.2-mile race and could not be revived. The cause of death remains unclear. “It cuts a knife through everybody's hearts,” said one NYC racing official.

“The Olympic Trials is traditionally a day of celebration, but we are heartbroken,” said a US track and field official. Shay was trying to earn a spot at the Beijing Games. He had been a favorite to make the 2004 Games, but he finished poorly after straining his hamstring. Shay’s friend Ryan Hall won today’s qualifier, only afterward learning of his death.

An ambulance carrying marathon runner Ryan Shay makes its way through Central Park, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. Shay died during the U.S. men's Olympic marathon trials Saturday after collapsing about 5 and 1/2 miles into the race. He was 28. The death was confirmed after the...
An ambulance carrying marathon runner Ryan Shay makes its way through Central Park, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. Shay died during the U.S. men's Olympic marathon trials Saturday after collapsing...   (Associated Press)
Top marathoner Ryan Shay, poses at a New York City Marathon news conference, in New York, in this Nov. 3, 2005 file photo. Shay, a top distance runner, died during the U.S. men's Olympic marathon trials Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York, after collapsing about 5 miles into...
Top marathoner Ryan Shay, poses at a New York City Marathon news conference, in New York, in this Nov. 3, 2005 file photo. Shay, a top distance runner, died during the U.S. men's Olympic marathon trials...   (Associated Press)
New York Road Runners Mary Wittenberg speaks during a news conference after runner Ryan Shay died during the 2008 Olympic team trials for the Marathon Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Road Runners Mary Wittenberg speaks during a news conference after runner Ryan Shay died during the 2008 Olympic team trials for the Marathon Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank...   (Associated Press)
Brian Sell reacts after a statement is made about Ryan Shay during a news conference after the 2008 Olympic team trials for the Marathon Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. Ryan Shay died during the U.S. men's Olympic marathon trials Saturday after collapsing about 5 1/2 miles into...
Brian Sell reacts after a statement is made about Ryan Shay during a news conference after the 2008 Olympic team trials for the Marathon Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. Ryan Shay died during the...   (Associated Press)
Ryan Hall, center is interrupted at a news conference while commenting on Ryan Shay, a runner who died during the 2008 Olympic team trials for the Marathon Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. Dathan Ritzenhein, left, and Brian Sell, right look on. Ryan Shay died during the U.S....
Ryan Hall, center is interrupted at a news conference while commenting on Ryan Shay, a runner who died during the 2008 Olympic team trials for the Marathon Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in New York. Dathan...   (Associated Press)
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