Former US Olympic distance runner arrested for DUI in Minnesota

Running legend and 1976 US Olympian on the night of August 8 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota Gary Bjorkland He was charged with driving under the influence after colliding with another vehicle while driving on the opposite road.

according to Bring Me The NewsBjorklund, 71, of Fort Collins, Colorado, had a blood alcohol level three times over the legal limit. Reported No one was injured in the collision.

The accident occurred shortly after 6pm and police found Björklund was driving westbound in the eastbound lane when he collided with another vehicle. Björklund was unable to stand when police arrived on the scene. Officers also reported that he urinated on himself.

The officer smelled a “strong odor of alcohol” and when he tried to get Björklund to take a breathalyzer test, he rested on the grass and repeatedly said, “I’m not drunk.”

Bjorklund received a 4th degree misdemeanor level ticket for driving under the influence of alcohol (DWI).

A 4th degree DWI is a misdemeanor in Minnesota and is punishable by up to 90 days in prison or a $1,000 fine. Fourth degree is defined as the first DUI conviction within 10 years and in the absence of an aggravating factor (such as injury or death).

Björkland was an NCAA National Champion at the University of Minnesota in 1971 and also competed in the 10,000 m at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, becoming the only US qualifier for the event and finishing 13th.

he won the opening game grandma’s marathon In 1977 and 1980 he recorded personal bests of 2:10:20. His grandma’s marathon race weekend half marathon is now named after him.

Officials for Grandma’s Marathon declined to comment on the situation.