There’s more to summer than the Mariners, Sounders, and Storm. This past weekend, the U.S. track and field championships were held in Eugene, Oregon. Former UW pole vaulter Brad Walker won the event with a leap of 18 feet, 10 and one-quarter inches. He’s the American record holder in the pole vault, as we’ve previously written. Though last year’s Olympics didn’t turn out so great for him, he’ll be competing in the world championships later this summer by virtue of his win in Eugene. Also headed to the world championships in Berlin is former UW runner Ryan Brown, who placed third in the 800 meters (he’s a past NCAA winner in that event).The Tour de France begins next weekend. North Bend cyclist Tom Peterson unfortunately didn’t make the selection for his Garmin-Slipstream team, though Washington state rider Tyler Farrar (of Wenatchee) did. He’ll be the only athlete with Northwest ties competing against Lance and company in the three-week contest.