EUGENE, Ore. — Former University of Colorado star runner Jenny Simpson will not represent the United States in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics after finishing 10th in the 1,500-meter final at qualifying in Eugene, Oregon on Monday night.
Simpson finished with a time of 4:07.76, more than five seconds behind Heather MacLean who finished third and claimed the final spot in the event.
Elle Purrier St. Pierre won with a time of 3:58.03 and Cory McGee was second to also earn a spot on the team in Tokyo.
Fellow CU alum Dani Jones just edged Simpson, finishing in 9th place with a time 4:06.46, but also will not be on the Olympic team in the 1,500-meter event.
Simpson told NBC after the event she "(hasn't) seen an Olympic Games on TV since 2004," signaling the end of an era for now.
Simpson, 34, represented the USA in 2008, 2012 and 2016, winning a bronze medal five years ago in Rio. She's also a former American record holder in the 1,500-meter event.
>> Video above: Catching up with Jenny Simpson in 2016
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Denver Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS KUSA APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for KUSA "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.