EUGENE, Ore. - It's a brutal event combining distance and hurdling. It's the 3,000 meter steeplechase.

The nation's top competitors are in Eugene for the Olympic Trials.

It may have been one of the rest-days for the Olympic Trials, but for local Olympic veteran Mike Manley, it's a chance to work with the next generation of athletes and relive some memories.

It's one of the most demanding events in all of track and field.

"Well they've got hurdles, first of all, and hurdles that don't fall. If you hit the hurdles, you fall," said U.S. Olympian Mike Manley.

Manley took part in the trials in 1972, 1976 and 1980, and went to Munich as part of the 1972 U.S. Team.

On Tuesday, Manley is working with steeplechaser Luke Meyer.

This is light tune-up work before Meyer competes Thursday at the trials.

The master said the student is ready.

"His fitness is good. His attitude is great. He's fresh; he's ready to go," said Manley.

Meyer is just one of the athletes working with Manley to get ready for the steeplechase. Luke has nothing but words of praise for his coach of experience.

"He just has so much enthusiasm for the sport, I mean that's clear.  A couple of days ago he was telling me how badly he wished he could run fast again and be competing in the trials and stuff like that," said 2008 steeplechase participant Luke Meyer.

The speed may be gone, but the fire and experience are still there. And Manley is already looking ahead.

"2012; everybody will be looking forward to that and tickets will be even harder to get," said Manley.

Manley has been Meyer's coach for the past two years.

The men's steeplechase semifinals are Thursday night, with the finals on Saturday.