Shay dies during Olympic trials

NEW YORK: In a tragedy that shocked the sports community of the United States, champion runner Ryan Shay collapsed and died about 30 minutes into marathon trials for next year's Beijing Olympic Games.

Shay, a champion at five various races, collapsed unexpectedly after running first five and a half miles of the race and was immediately give CPR and taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was 28.

"We all are devastated over Ryan's death," said Craig Masback, the CEO of USA Track and Field, the national governing body of the sport.

"He was a tremendous champion who was here on Sunday to pursue his dreams. The Olympic trials is traditionally a day of celebration, but we are heartbroken.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan's wife Alicia and all of his family. His death is a tremendous loss for the sport and the long-distance running community," Masback said.

He was the 2003 USA Marathon champion, the 2003 and 2004 USA Half-Marathon champion, the 2004 USA 20K champion, and the 2005 USA 15K champion.

Shay had a marathon personal best of 2 hour 14:09 secs, which he set at the ING New York City Marathon 2004.