Back to the track: Former Olympian volunteers at Track Trials

EUGENE, Ore. - Cyndy Poor-Jensen is one of the thousands of volunteers in green working non-stop at Track Trials 2012.

"I help out and troubleshoot in any way," Poor-Jensen said.

Returning back after volunteering in 2008, Poor-Jensen is back for another round of the trials as she helps check people in and keeps all the volunteers fed.

"There's things you wouldn't imagine that you obviously need volunteers for," Poor-Jensen said.

Poor-Jensen does all the work for free and enjoys every minute of it.

"I enjoy stress, I think that's what made me a good athlete," Poor-Jensen said.

But Poor-Jensen said she is also here to get back to where it all started.

Poor-Jensen's first trip to Hayward Field was in 1976 when she competed and broke an American Record in the 1500 meters.
 
"It felt ecstatic," Poor-Jensen said. "I literally won the race on a lean that was the 1500 meters. That is exciting because some of the events this year were won by a lean."

Now 36 years later, Poor-Jensen is doing all she can at an event she says would not be possible without her and the 2,000 other volunteers.

"As a volunteer, I think a lot of people don't understand what goes on behind the scenes," Poor-Jensen said.

The volunteers do a variety work which includes security screening, hospitality, escorting athletes, and many more tasks.

While the volunteers do the work for free, they said the reward is getting to see the athletes compete at the trials.

"Being able to see all these athletes is a really cool experience," said Sydney Haynes, a volunteer from Vancouver, Washington.

Poor-Jensen said she's just happy to get back to the track.

"I can't run anymore," Poor-Jensen said. "It's exciting to be able to give back to see the incredible performances."