24 Photos That Capture the Heartbreak and Triumph of the Olympic Marathon Trials

The Olympic Marathon Trials are one day, one race, one chance for runners to make it to the Games. Top three? You’re in, and you’re forever an Olympian. Fourth or beyond? No dice.

With so much riding on a single race, the focus, tension, and relief were all over the competitors’ faces. These photos from the Trials on February 29 in Atlanta told the story of the Trials and tribulations.