Leader of the new generation of “Track Town USA” stars, Galen Rupp is the top distance runner for the University of Oregon’s fabled track team.

Galen Rupp

At the young age of 21, he's already had an impressiving running career, but he said he's fullfilling a dream by earning a spot in the Olympics.

"This is what every runner aspires to do and the Olympics are your time to shine. This is something else," he said, after taking 2nd in the 10,000 at the Olympic Trials in Eugene.

"It's great, this has been a dream of mine since the day I started running. I'm speechless right now and to be able to do it here on the fourth of July means so much."

Photo Gallery: Rupp, Goucher make Olympic team

Rupp said he gave it everything he had and the hometown fans helped carry him, too. "Being able to run here in an Oregon uniform is great. Having the fans behind you is definitely a huge advantage," he said.

A two-time state cross country champ at Central Catholic High School, the youthful Rupp will be only 22-years old by the time the Olympics arrive, yet he’s already a seven-time NCAA All-American.

In 2007, he was ranked 2nd in the U.S. in the 10,000 meters.

 More on Galen Rupp:

Slideshow: 5,000 meters

Oregon athletes shine at trials

Rupp takes 2nd in 10,000 meters

Oregon men do distance with style

 Photo gallery: Best of Olympic Trials