8/12/08
By Dave Ungrady
Universal Sports

Shalane Flanagan, the American record holder in the 10,000 meters, has found a steady rhythm in 2008 and is a legitimate contender in the event that will take place Friday at the Beijing Olympics.

Flanagan has raced only six times this year, winning five times. Her victories include the U.S. 8 kilometer cross country championships; a 10,000 meter track race in March where she ran 30:34:49, a personal best and American record that still stands as the top time of the year in the world; and the 10,000 meters at the U.S. Olympic trials.