"Competing in the Olympics has been my dream for as long as I can remember," said Sell, a six-year member of the Hansons-Brooks ODP team. "Every day through training I had one goal in mind -- to run for my country in Beijing. It's an incredible feeling knowing my hard work has paid off, and I have my team to thank for pushing me each day."

In the largest field for the Olympic Team Trials -- Men's Marathon since 1984, 134 of the top runners in the United States competed in the race, including all three members of the 2004 Olympic Men's Marathon Team.

Sell began the race conservatively, and then stepped out to lead the pack at the 32k. He then settled into a steady pace for two loops through the challenging Central Park course. With power and determination banked, Sell moved into fourth place by mile 21. Surging further still, Sell advanced one more position near mile 22, maintaining his standing until the end for a commanding third-place finish.

"The competition was fierce this year, with 54 more runners than the 2004 trials," said Keith Hanson, founder and coach of the Hansons-Brooks ODP. "It shows distance running is truly making a comeback, and I'd like to think that our team -- with 13 men and four women qualifying for the Trials -- has helped inspire this resurgence."