Those coming to the Eugene without the Olympic 'A' standard typically don't have the hope of going to London since the conclusion of U.S. Olympic Trials is the last opportunity for athletes to chase marks.

George Kitchens has already experienced that bitter taste.

In 2009, the Clemson grad finished third at the U.S. Championships yet was could not compete at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin because he didn't have the 'A' standard.

Kitchens competed sparingly in the two following years but started the 2012 Olympic year strongly with a wind-legal jump of 26 feet, 8 1/2 inches (8.14 meters) at the Georgia Relays.

Unable to improve upon that mark, Kitchens arrived in Eugene again without the coveted 'A' standard.

But like any true Clemson Tiger, Kitchens stepped it up in the final, launching a jump of 26 feet, 11 3/4 inches (8.21 meters) that not only put him in third place but also narrowly eclipsed the 'A' standard of 26 feet, 10 7/8 inches (8.20 meters).

Despite a few scares from fourth placer Christian Taylor, Kitchens's mark held up. He'll be joining Marquise Goodwin and Will Claye on the team to London.

For stepping up on the biggest of stages, George Kitchens gets the honor of day three Flotrack performance of the night.