EUGENE, Ore. -- As the son of Mexican immigrants, earning a chance to represent the United States on the country's birthday was almost too good to be true for Boulder's Jorge Torres.

"I'm a first-generation American, and my parents wanted to live the American dream," Torres said. "I'm happy to give them this opportunity."

The former University of Colorado national champion earned his first Olympic bid Friday night by finishing third in the men's 10,000 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. Torres, who lives near Magnolia Road in Boulder Canyon, beat out a stellar field to earn a trip to China.

"At some points this seemed so far away, but I never gave up on my dreams," said Torres, who finished in 27:46.33. "(His twin brother) Edwardo helped me with that and never let me give up."

Edwardo was one of several other runners with Boulder connections in the 10K. Boulder's James Carney was sixth in 27:58.81, former CU star Dathan Ritzenhein was eighth in 28:05.31 and Edwardo Torres was 11th in 28:35.91.

"Ritz" has already qualified in the marathon, so he was just happy to see his former roommate and best friend earn a spot on the team.

Jorge Torres credited coach Steve Jones for his Olympic berth, saying the legend gave him confidence and made him believe this was possible. He also said a December training run with Alan Culpepper, who has qualified for previous Olympics, inspired him to dedicate himself to this event.

But one of the best moments of his night was giving his mother, Maria, and father, Jose, a hug and a kiss at the track.

"Never stop believing in your dreams," he said. "Because dreams come true."

Pifer done with trials,

starting pro life

What is Stephen Pifer's favorite event -- the 5,000 meters or the 1,500 meters?

"I guess it's the 5K since I finished seventh in that at the trials," the smiling former CU runner said Friday night.

Pifer's time at the trials ended Friday night when he finished one spot out of the 1,500 finals. The top six in each semifinal heat advanced, and Pifer finished seventh in his heat.

He also said he thought before the event that the top four in each semi, plus the next four fastest times, qualified for the finals. But he discovered in the staging tent it was the top six in each semi. His time of 3:41.78 was seventh overall.

Combined with the 1,500 quarters, 1,500 semis, 5K semifinals and the 5K final -- where he finished seventh among some of the best runners in the world -- the lanky Pifer ran four races in a week.

"I told (CU coach Mark Wetmore) before this race I was a little tired, and I think was fatigued, and rightfully so," he said.

Pifer, who inked a deal with Nike this week, said he'll likely move to Eugene and run with the Oregon Track Club. As far as the near future, Pifer is taking a day off and then flying to Europe to compete. Not bad for a guy a few months out of college.

"You can't beat it," he said. "I'm blessed."

Malone back in finals

University of Colorado throws coach Casey Malone advanced to the finals of the discus late Thursday night, keeping alive his bid to return to the Olympics.

Malone, who starred at Colorado State, was the top American in the discus in Athens in 2004. He was sixth at those Games.

He was the sixth-best performer in the prelims, throwing 197-11. He will attempt to qualify for Beijing in Sunday's finals.

"I got to the finals and I believe I threw well, nothing spectacular, but the ultimate goal was to make it into the finals and I did that," he said. "I'll now go back and evaluate everything."

Good 199 meters

Jeremy Dodson, the best sprinter CU has had in several years, advanced through Friday's qualifying rounds of the 200 meters. Dodson was fourth best in his heat, finishing in 21.07 seconds.

Dodson, who has one year of eligibility left at CU, said he had a "horrible" start but the "rest of the 199 meters was pretty good."

The quarterfinals are today.

Hot stuff

Today's 3,000-meter men's steeplechase will be the first event over 1,000 meters to be held in the daytime at these trials. Former CU stars Steve Slattery and Billy Nelson are in the final and hoping to qualify for Beijing.

Slattery had the top time coming into the meet, and Nelson had the third-fastest qualifying time in prelims, finishing in 8:26.17. In addition to finishing in the top three, Nelson will have to reach the Olympic "A" standard of 8:24.60.