EUGENE, Ore. — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a story published on June 24, 2021.
It was a heartbreaking end to an incredible journey for long-jumper and Northeast Ohio's own, Corey Crawford.
Corey, son of 3News anchor Jay Crawford, has spent the last several years working tirelessly toward his goal of going to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, originally planned for 2020. He competed late Sunday night, coming in 8th place and jumping 7.90-meters. Unfortunately only the top three will be going to Tokyo.
The Olympics were postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning an additional year of grueling training for many Olympic hopefuls, including Corey, who trains at the Spire Institute in Geneva.
RELATED: Corey Crawford, son of 3News' Jay Crawford, qualifies for long jump final at U.S. Olympic Trials
The athletes hit another hurdle during the trials on Sunday. Extreme heat. Temperatures in Oregon were in the triple digits and organizers were forced to push the games back. The long jump did not take place until 11:30 p.m.
While Crawford may not have made Team USA, his family is still proud. Jay tweeted: “Our Champion!!! Proud of you son! From retirement to the Olympic trials finals!!!!"
During the qualifying trials on Friday, Corey took fifth place with a jump measuring 8.03 meters, securing him a spot at Sunday's official Olympic trials.
The top three long jumpers, JuVaughn Harrison, Marquis Dendy and Steffin McCarter will be part of Team USA.
Jay offered his son words of advice ahead of the Olympic trials, writing on Twitter Sunday afternoon: "I’ve watched him compete in every sport since he was 4 yrs old. His effort, unmatched. Desire, immeasurable. Talent rich, bigger heart. Roadblocks, countless. Dream, within grasp. Go hit a bomb son." @crawfordbounce #longjump #usatf #olympictrials."
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics will kick off on July 23 at 7 a.m. eastern time and will be broadcast on NBC.
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