Matt Boyles is one of the bright young stars of US race walking. His speed has led him to multiple Penn Relays victories as well as representing the US in international competion at the 20K. However, struggles with technique have sometimes caused races to end in disqualification due to calls for loss of contact. In the 50K, loss of contact is less of an issue as the grueling distance forces athletes to walk slower. Indeed, today the 50K seemed the perfect distance for Boyles. His technique looked flawless as he walked along side veteran Philip Dunn. Just before 30K, Boyles made a suprising move and attempted to break Dunn. The surge worked for a few kilometers, but the relentless Dunn had a few surges of his own and showed the less experienced Boyles why the say "the 50K race starts at 40K." Still Boyles acheived a solid 2nd place finish marking his entry into the small field of elite 50K US race walkers.

Matt Boyles cruising on the backside of the course.	Boyles attempting to remain cool.

Matt Boyles grabbing a drink.	Boyles crossed the start finish line, lapping 3 time Olympian Curt Clausen

Matt Boyles finishing second in the 2008 50K Olympic Trials

Return to the 50K Olympic Trials Home Page.
See more photos of Boyles and Dunn battling together.