EUGENE, ORE. --- Heartbreak hit home for a champion of the California track and field program in the midst of the euphoria surrounding the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Alysia Montano, the reigning Olympic Trials champion and London Olympian in the 800 meters, saw her bid to make the United States team for Rio come to an end during today's 800 final at historic Hayward Field.

Montano started the final in the second lane and quickly found herself with a sizable lead as the group headed into the final lap. Even after being caught by the pack with about 200 meters to go, Montano remained in prime position to make a push for at least a top three qualifying spot.

With around 150 meters remaining, Montano found herself having to dodge fellow finalist Brenda Martinez after Martinez came in contact with Raevyn Rogers. The chain reaction forced Martinez in front of Montano; Martinez began to stumble away from the field while Montano eventually fell to the track.

As the field passed her by and she visibly became overcome with emotion, Montano found the strength to do what any true competitor would do: finish the race.

A swelling of applause from the track and field faithful in attendance helped propel her across the finish line in a time of 3:06.77.

Montano was the consummate professional post-race, speaking with the media for several minutes while still trying to process everything that transpired.

"I executed perfectly...I still had so much in me," Montano said to USATF about her race plan and effort. "We rehearsed this a thousand times and I saw that I was right there. Brenda tripped and then I just tripped over her body. I thought I was going to be able to dodge her and I didn't."

She added, "I think a lot of people had talked about the pain from 2012. I know there are no re-dos and I just hoped to get another opportunity [in Rio]. I struggled so much emotionally this last year in this sport and I held on to every ounce of hope of the sport being better and hoping that my voice could help the sport be better. I'm just stunned."

Kate Grace, Ajee Wilson and Chrishuna Williams eventually finished 1-2-3 and qualified for Rio.