Van Wyck native and former Indian Land High School and Clemson star Shawn Crawford was among the three qualifiers Sunday in the 200 meter race at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Ore. Crawford finished second in the finals, edged by Florida State's Walter Dix, the three-time NCAA champion.

This won't be the first time Crawford competes in the Olympics. He is the defending Olympic champion in the 200-meter event and winner of a silver metal in the 100-meter relay at the Athens Olympics four years ago.

Those victories launched a raucous homecoming and the installation of six highway signs around his hometown reading: "Van Wyck, Home of Shawn Crawford, 2004 Olympic gold and silver medalist."

We suspect the cheers will be just as loud when Crawford competes in China in August. And the cheers won't be confined to Van Wyck.

Fans across the nation will be rooting for this great American athlete, who represents us all. Congratulations and good luck to him as he prepares for another chance at gold.