Modesto, Riverbank runners keep Olympic hopes alive

EUGENE, Ore. -- Riverbank’s German Fernandez and Modesto’s Matt Maldonado kept their Olympic hopes alive on Thursday afternoon.

The two 1,500-meter runners finished among the top 24 in the preliminary heats to advance to Friday’s semifinals at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.

The semis are scheduled to start at 4:25 p.m.

In Thursday’s prelims, 30 runners competed in three heats with Fernandez running in Heat 2 and Maldonado in Heat 3.

Fernandez, a Riverbank High graduate, finished in 3 minutes, 41.33 seconds, to finish sixth in his heat. Overall, he placed 12th. He ran among the top four for most of the race, and finished the final 400 meters in a competitive 56 seconds.

Maldonado a Modesto High grad, finished seventh in his heat at 3:41.93 and 17th overall. He got out to a fast start, faded to 10th with 400 meters left before turning it on, posting a taut 55.72 seconds on the way in.

Jordan McNamara (3:40.78), William Leer (3:40.79) and Leonel Manzano (3:40.91) were the top three finishers, respectively.

Neither Fernandez nor Maldonado has reached the Olympic qualifying standard of 3:35.5. They have two shots to make it.

The runner winning Sunday’s final is on the team. Also, if either reaches the qualifying mark and finishes among the top three in the final, they’re London-bound.