The Prefontaine Classic, which will be held at Historic Hayward Field, features world-class athletes from around the world. As part of the International Association of Athletics Federation Diamond League, the meet offers athletes the chance to score points as they compete to win “The Diamond Race.” This year, several former Oregon track and field greats will compete at the Classic.
Galen Rupp — 5,000-Meter 
Rupp returns to Hayward Field as America’s top-ranked 5k runner. Currently training under Alberto Salazar as a member of the Nike Oregon Project, Rupp has maintained a rise into elite distance running status since graduating. He was a member of the 2008 and 2012 United States Olympic teams, winning silver in the 10,000 at the London games — finishing behind training partner Mo Farah. He holds the American record in the 10k (26:44.36), indoor 3,000 (7:30.16), indoor 2-mile (8:07.41) and indoor 5,000 (13:01.26). With the Ducks, he claimed the inaugural Bowerman Award in 2009, which is given to the collegiate track athlete of the year.
Phyllis Francis — 400-Meter 
Francis should be a recognizable face for Duck fans, as she just graduated last year. The two-time NCAA champion was the first woman in school history to win a 400-meter title. Her most memorable moment so far in her young career as a professional, came during the World Relays this year. She was able to help bring home a gold medal as part of the women’s 4×400 team. Running the first leg in 51.40, she passed the baton neck-and-neck for first place. The team’s final time, 3:19.39, was an IAAF World Relays record and the 10th fastest time in U.S. history. Francis also holds the American Indoor record in the 400.
English Gardner — International 100-Meter 
The five-time NCAA Champion and 8-time All-American sprinter will be running the 100 at Hayward for the Prefontaine Classic. With the Ducks, Gardner set the 2011 American Junior Record in the 100 (11.03) during the Pac-10 Championships. She has had a lot of success on the track since graduating. After winning the 100-meters at the 2013 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Gardner qualified for the 2013 World Championships in Athletics in Moscow. In the semi-finals, her time of 10.85 equaled the world leading time set by Barbara Pierre that same day. Gardner just missed the podium at Moscow, placing fourth (10.97).
Matthew Centrowitz, Jr — Bowerman Mile
The Centrowitz name should be recognizable by all Oregon fans, as both father and son are prominent figures on the track. Centrowitz has earned two medals in the World Championships in athletics, both in the 1,500. He earned bronze in 2011 and silver in 2013. That feat is only shared by one other American in the 1,500, record holder Bernard Lagat. In 2011, Centrowitz also won the NCAA Championship in the 1,500. Centrowitz won a lot of races for the Ducks before deciding to turn professional early. He currently trains with the Nike Oregon Project and Salazar.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur
For a full schedule of events, visit the Pre Classic webpage.