BOULDER — Alamosa’s Zoila Gomez was a late addition to the U.S. team in the women’s professional race of today’s Bolder Boulder.
She has been training for the possibility of an even more momentous call-up.
Gomez, a six-time national champion at Adams State, finished fourth in the women’s Olympic marathon trials April 20 in Boston. If one of the women who finished ahead of her has to withdraw, Gomez gets a ticket to Beijing.
“It’s been exciting,” said Gomez, a native of Mexico who became an American citizen in 2005. “It’s very motivating and exciting to think about the possibility of getting that phone call. Every day training now, I’m just excited. Even if they don’t call, it keeps your spirits going.”
At the trials, Gomez finished one second ahead of fifth-place finisher Tera Moody of Boulder. Olympic bronze medalist Deena Kastor won.
For someone who shed tears of joy throughout her Denver citizenship ceremony, Gomez would be overwhelmed at wearing USA colors in the Olympics.
“That would be another dream come true,” said Gomez, 28. “Even if it doesn’t happen this summer, the possibilities in four years are endless. I just saw another huge door open for me with a fourth place. I’m so excited for the next four years. I’m already planning.”
Gomez replaces Colleen De Reuck on Team USA in Boulder. Joining her will be Kastor, a three-time Bolder Boulder winner back for the first time since 2003, and Durango native Elva Dryer, who won in 2005. Gomez ran that year for Mexico, four months before becoming an American citizen.
“Oh, my gosh, again, talking about dreams,” Gomez said of teaming with Kastor and Dryer. “This is my chance to prove myself and prove I can contribute to the team.”
Men’s Olympic marathon trials winner Ryan Hall leads the U.S. men’s team. Joining him are Jorge and Edwardo Torres, twin brothers who ran for the University of Colorado.
For the first time since 1997, the professional athletes will run the same course as the citizen runners, finishing shortly after Memorial Day observances in Folsom Field.
For the first time since 1982, the race will not be broadcast live. FSN will carry a two-hour highlights show tonight at 8:30 p.m.
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
