Randy Moss = New Pony Star

Randy Moss, Pony Fall/Winter Collection.

New England Patriots star Randy Moss made the switch to Pony in the off season after being sponsored by Jordan Brand since back in the day when he was with the Vikings. This was a surprising move to many but Moss always seems to be doing something exciting.

Moss will be center stage for the Patriots with the loss of Tom Brady for the season, which may help up the image of Pony. This special fall/winter collection offers shoes for all aspects of Moss’ game including training, on-field play and off-field leisure and recovery. Pony is also selling football cleats in his name sake.

The collection seen here includes the Moss Trainer Mid, Moss 5.OZ Trainer and Moss Top Star Mid. These shoes are available now at select Pony dealers. Via Hypebeast.

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Usain Bolt Interview On David Letterman

Boltmania Hits New York City

He has taken his show on the road. Track star Usain Bolt chats it up on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman.

There is a new king in town. Check out the fans waiting outside to see Bolt after the Jamaican Olympic champion finished his first ever appearance with David Letterman.

Click here to the Usain Bolt video.

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Video Courtesy: Stupid Famous People.

Boltmania Hits Kingston!

Matt Taylor's latest project "Chasing Bolt" involves chronicling the Usain Bolt throughout the entire season. The piece provides insight into who Bolt is and what he is all about. This is a must-see movie for sports fans across the world.

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Kicks: Adidas Gazelle

Here are some new kicks the Adidas Gazelle OP - Silver / Sky Grey / Lt Clay. They sport a simple gray upper constructed from suede, which is completely perforated.

The tongue features a darker tone of grey, white sole sole is constructed from white rubber. For anyone looking for something sans logos, colors, or otherwise distracting exterior decor these Adidas Gazelle OP’s might be for you. If what you’re looking for is a completely clean pair of kicks, with nearly no ornamentation of any kind, these should fit the bill perfectly. [Via Streething].

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Spearmon Rolling to Jamaica?

Has Usain Bolt and companies' dashing show in Jamaica made Jamaica the new center of the track universe and the place-to-be for elite sprinters?

According to the Jamaican Gleaner News, Wallace Spearmon Jr., is considering joining the high-profile MVP Track Club under coach Stephen Francis and switching his training base to Jamaica for the upcoming season.

This would make the second coaching change in two season for the University of Arkansas alum. Last season Spearmon ended his relationship with Coach Lance Braumon to train under his father Wallace Spearmon Sr. His father, Wallace Spearmon Sr. was a two-time All-American sprinter for coach McDonnell at Arkansas and was a part of the first national championship team in 1984.

Ray Flynn, Spearmon’s manager, speaking to The Gleaner from the United States, said he "cannot confirm" his client would join the group, but said it was an option.

It probably does not hurt that Spearmon is reportedly long-time friends with fellow sprinter Usain Bolt and hey man it's Jamaica.

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Olympian Greene Survives To Dance Another Day

In case you missed the action, the judges liked what they saw on the dance floor. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Maurice Greene and his dance partner Cheryl Burke managed to stay alive for another week on ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

The starting blocks are his natural work place, but Greene really shined in the solo spots on the dance floor. His charisma and personality really come through when he seemed to just be having a lot fun.

Two-time show champion Cheryl Burke deserves a great deal of credit. She again showed an understanding of make her partners come off really well and Greene did an impressive job partnering.

Phone lines, text votes (AT&T customers only) and online polls will open at the top of each performance show so that viewers can vote for their favorites. Phone and text lines will remain open until noon (Eastern Time) on the day of the results show.

To vote for Maurice Greene, dial 800-868-3404. The text-in code is 3404.

Anyone can get voted off at any time on this show. Can Maurice Greene make it past week 2?

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Great Battles: Maurice Greene & Michael Johnson

It is no secret that trash talking and track go hand and hand. At the 2000 Olympic Trials former greats Michael Johnson and Maurice Greene made a career out of their beef.

Fast forward and the 2008-09 season has officially come to a close and with it a piece of track culture, trash talking is officially done.

It's over and may very well be the end of an era.

It's like when Jay Z announced that he wouldn't wear throwback jerseys anymore kids all over Brooklyn and the NYC quickly buried theirs deeply in their closets.

Where is the world-class trash talking in the sport today, chest pumping, and bravado?

I'm not sure who won the war of words in 2000 but here is what Michael said during the back and forth in the press.

"I can honestly say that since Carl Lewis left this sport, there's not an athlete that I get excited about running against," said Johnson. "I get excited about achieving my own goals.

Not to be out done, check out what Greene had to say.

"First, Michael Johnson is the world record-holder, but he hasn't run anything close to that time in four years," said Greene. "Second, he's not strong enough to finish with me in a sprint. He'll have to be three or four steps in front coming off the curve, or it's over.

Sure, neither one finished the race at the 2000 Olympic Trials but the country was riveted by this showdown.

Click here to watch the Maurice Greene vs. Michael Johnson build up to the track battle.

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Carl Lewis "Sings" National Anthem

Fans in attendance at the New Jersey Nets game will never forget January 21, 1993. The day some critics have dubbed as the worst national anthem performance ever and Carl Lewis called it singing.

Dude has game--we chuckle at his antics, but King Carl knew how to entertain and the last time I checked, he still has endorsement deals with Hershey's and others. The companies probably requeste that the track legend to ease up on the public singing though.

Usain Bolt is the latest track athlete to take over the mantel as track's most interesting runner in the Milky Way Galaxy. The Jamaican is an entertaining character that sports fans the world over enjoy watching.

It appears that Bolt is already helping to make track cool again.

By Jay Hicks.

Usain Bolt Dashes To David Letterman

If you want to catch the "Fastest Man Alive," you'll need to watch "Late Show With David Letterman" on Sept. 24.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who won three gold medals in Beijing, will make his first U.S. talk-show appearance that evening.


After that Bolt is set to appear on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Thursday and Regis and Kelly on the Friday.

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: Jordan Blasé - Holiday 2008 Collection

So you want a pair of kicks that are sophisticated enough to wear out to an evening affair?

Jordan Brand has a new off court dress shoe coming out this Fall/Holiday season that should be sleek enough to get you pass the doorman, its called the Jordan Blasé. This line manufactures lifestyle sneakers to cater to users who want to wear stylish shoes with their casual dress attire. This new release of Jordan Blasé comes in two new colorways. [SneakerNews.]


Jay Hicks For Prerace Jitters.

Should Cross Country Be An Olympic Sport?

Will the world be thrilled to watch runners try to conquer cross courses at future Olympic games?

Some of the sports most prominent figures such as Ethiopians Kenenisa Bekele and Haile Gebrselassie and Kenya’s Paul Tergat seem to think so and wrote an open letter to IOC chief Jacques Rogge laying out their case for the cross country to be included.

The IAAF as the sports governing body is submitting the request to the International Olympic Committee to make cross country a part of the Olympic Games.

It is an interesting proposition considering that baseball and softball were axed, there will only be 26 sports in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Two factors in cross country’s case.

The first consideration is whether cross country will be added to an already bloated Olympic Games. There seems to be an endless number of sports and many viewers already struggle to keep up with all the action. On the other hand, what is one more sport.

The second is a litmus test that I developed for any sport is whether an Olympic sport is the pinnacle of the sport. If not, then it has to go or should not be added.

If cross country were added to the Games, then it would be the most important cross country race on the face of the planet. On top of that the world’s largest apparel makers can serve to benefit from adding cross country to the Olympic.

The fact that BMX cycling, Mountain Bike cycling , and Trampoline have been added, means that cross country should certainly be given a trial run at the Olympic Games.

Let us know what do you think. Should cross country be added or not?

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Asafa Powell Predicts 9.5 Seconds!

How fast will the 100-meters go in 2009?

In a recent interview, former world record holder Asafa Powell seems to think it can go much faster. The question on my mind is whether Powell is thinking of himself or how fast he thinks his countrymen Usain Bolt can potentially run when making this prediction.

"When I ran 9.74 I thought my limit would be 9.69," he said. Then when Usain ran 9.69 after stopping 20 meters before the finish, it's obviously possible to go even faster. I think 9.6 is possible. I think next year you'll see 9.5."

Powell went on to say, "Wherever Usain takes (the record), I'll be there right with him."

Who better to ask than Powell. He has seen his previous world record of 9.74 get lowered twice this season alone as Usain Bolt cruised 9.69 to win the Olympic gold.

How fast do you think Bolt, Powell or Tyson Gay can run in '09?

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Kicks: Nike Air Max 1 360 Hybrid

The newly refreshed kicks dropped by Nike takes us back to the old school with the comfort of today. The Nike 1 360 Hybrid is the latest of many coming hybrid line of Hybrid sneakers. A nice clean colorway that should be popular with sneakerheads, and also the general public. The grey, black, and white is a clean look for everybody.

The Air Max 360 sole makes doing just about anything comfortable. You can hit up your local Footlocker to pick them up, as they are available now.

By Jay Hicks.

Instantly Analysis: Campbell-Brown Leads Jamaican Entourage In Shanghai

-Shanghai, China-Anytime Olympic champion Yelena Isinbeyva of Russia enters a meet, there is bound to be fans in the seats. But on Saturday all eyes were focused on Vernonica Campbell-Brown, who lead a group of Jamaicans athletes wrapping up their season at the 2008 IAAF Shanghai Golden Grand Prix.

The show stopper was a Jamaican-surprise. The 200-meter Olympic champion from Beijing, Veronica Campbell-Brown won a blistering late season race in 11.01 at 100-meters. Lauryn Williams of the U.S., ran a solid 11.26 to earn second place honors.

She may have been tired from the long season but she was definately entertaining. Yelena Isinbeyeva, did not break her own world record, but she cleared a modest 4.60 meters. The greatest women's pole vaulter ever cleared 5.05 meters in winning the gold medal in Beijing and in the process rewrote her own world record.

Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell did not compete in Shanghai, but Jamaican Michael Frater took the men 100 race in 10.05 and Nesta Carter was a close second.

It doesn't matter if the one lap race has hurdles or not for the Atlanta resident. You have to respect the talent of Angelo Taylor. The 400 was won by Taylor in a very respectable 44.94 over Gary Kikaya of the Democratic Republic of Congo (45.09).

Not to be out done--Dawn Harper did a repeat of her Olympic gold medal performance. Harper flew over the 110n hurdles in first (13.56), which is a new stadium record. How good is Hyleas Fountain? The Olympic silver medalist Fountain took an impressive third place finish in 12.96.

Fresh off a winning the IAAF World Athletics Final in Stuttgart last week, he did it again. David Oliver finished strongly to win the 110s in 13.25.

Olympics gold medalist Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain continued her post-Olympic performance decline. She finished a distant fourth place (52.30). Jamaican's Shericka Williams and Shereefa Lloyd took first and second place, respectively in 50.88 and 51.24.

Click here for full results.

Jay Hicks For Prerace Jitters.

Robert Griffin Earning Star Billing For Baylor Football

Another week went by and another game of eye-popping statistics were produced. Robert Griffin played his first road game for the Baylor Bears against Connecticut. He is quickly earning a reputation as a poised quarterback that can beat opponents with his arms and his legs.

Griffin threw for 208 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another one. The speedster from Copperas Cove also ran for 46 yards on 23 carries with many of his yards coming on scrambles to get out of trouble in the Friday game that aired on ESPN2. Not too bad for the quarterback of the losing team.

The 6 foot, 3 inch true freshmen quarterback narrowly lead a fourth quarter comeback in the in the defeat to UConn (31-28).

In the fourth quarter, Griffin lead the offense down the field with under one minute to play in the game, but the final pass fell just beyond the outstretched arms of his wide receiver.

So exactly how fast is Griffin?

He is the Big 12 champion and finished third in the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, earning him All-America honors and boasts a personal best time of 49.22.

There are a number of great athletes in track and field. If he maintains this level of productivity, does the two-sport star lay claim to best all-around athlete in track and field?

By Jay Hicks.

Shanghai Super Grand Prix Meet

-Saturday's Shanghai Super Grand Prix.

Can Yelena Isinbayeva break her own world record in the pole vault? The Olympic gold medalist returns to China along on Saturday along with some of track's other stars to compete in the 2008 Shanghai Super Grand Prix.

The meet headliners include: David Oliver, Bershawn Jackson and Angelo Taylor running the 400, Lauryn Williams, Torri Edwards, Travis Padgett, Hyleas Fountain running the 100 hurdles, Dawn Harper,

Last year the meet featured Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, and Liu Xiang.

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: Adidas ZX9000 De Lux

Adidas presented a nice pair of Adidas ZX 9000s that will turn heads. The shoe has been introduced in silver/beige and a beige suede for a "lux" effect. Check out more pics after the jump. [High Snobiety]

By Jay Hicks.

Push Back To Carl Lewis Statements

Remember how we reported that Carl Lewis openly questioned the Jamaican success in Beijing and directly called into question the validity of Usain Bolt's Olympic performances?

Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell did not let the remarks go undefended and responded by saying the following:

"Yes, I am disappointed with the words of a former athlete [Carl Lewis]."

"What Usain did does not shock me, because I know how much talent he has and this is the first year he has devoted his training to the 100m."

Can't we all just get along? Only in track, do we have Olympic gold medalists going back and forth in the media at a time when glowing words should be bestowed upon the sport after the Beijing Games.

By Jay Hicks.

Better Left Unsaid?

In a recent interview with SI.com Carl Lewis finally spoke his mind about the Jamaican success at the Beijing Olympic and the Michael Phelps phenomenon sweeping the globe.

The outspoken nine-time Olympic gold medalist said the following:

"I've never been one to compare eras in sports and you can't compare swimming to track and field because there's no way in the world you can get as many medals in track and field as you can in swimming. We can run one or two relays; they can swim five. I didn't realize that of Spitz's seven gold medals in Munich, three were relays. Five of his nine golds were relays. I thought, "If I could run the 4x100, 4x200, and so on, I'd have this many medals." To me, it's not a matter of saying I'm better. It's not even worth comparing. We should just celebrate who he is and leave it at that."

Ummm…interesting is this real talk or does it come off like sour grapes from arguably the greatest Olympic athlete to ever lace up sneakers?

“I'm still working with the fact that he [Usain Bolt] dropped from 10-flat to 9.6 in one year. I think there are some issues. I'm proud of America right now because we have the best random and most comprehensive drug testing program. Countries like Jamaica do not have a random program, so they can go months without being tested. I'm not saying anyone is on anything, but everyone needs to be on a level playing field,” said Lewis.

Is this the line of conversation to take, when in fact, the U.S. has been one of the biggest violators of drug abuse (Justin Gatlin, Marion Jones, Tim Montgomergy..etc) ?

Some of what Carl said is quite accurate but at this point do you think this is helpful to the sport?

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: Adidas Originals Forum Lo

It's no secret that track and fashion have long gone together for a long time. Having fly gear is as important as having a fast time.

Adidas decided to pay home to hip hop with their latest collection. Praising the elements of hip hop, the shoes and apparel were inspired by the DJ's and Bboys.

You can never go wrong with metallic silver and black. Go to shopadidas.com for more information.

By Jay Hicks.

WAF Instant Analysis: Sanya Richards Finishes Strong

-Stuttgart, Germany-The Beijing Games may not have gone as planned. Sanya Richards ended the season on a high note by completing a 200 and 400 double at the World Athletics Final. On Friday, she gutted out the 200 victory in 22.50.

On Saturday, Richards faced champion Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain and won in 50.41 and while Ohuruogu finished in 50.80. It may not be Olympic gold but for Richards, beating Ohuruogu may have been a mental victory.

Shelly Ann-Fraser was a beast today at 100-meters. The Olympic champion won in 10.94, ahead of Jamaica's Kerron Stewart and Marshevet Hooker (USA), who both placed second with 11.06.

Pamela Jelimo ended the season just like she began-with a dominating win. The newly crowned Olympic champion from Kenya won the 800-meters in 1:56.23, setting a new WAF record. The only question remaining is how fast she can run next year.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis - Asafa Powell Shows Up

-Stuttgart, Germany - It looked like another Jamaican track practice. Asafa Powell made overtures about breaking the 100-meter world record after running 9.87 in the rain of Gateshead, 9.72 in Lausanne and 9.82 in Brussels.

The chilly weather thwarted Powell's run at the record but he had two impressive runs. He ran 9.77 to win his heat and, within an hour, 9.82 to win the final.

By Jay Hicks.

Bolt Back on The Big Screen

Watch out now.

The world wants to see more of the three-time Olympic champion and world record holder.

Usain Bolt is set to become the first Jamaican athlete to occupy the seat next to David Letterman on CBS' Late Show.

By all accounts, Michael Phelps is making enough dough to buy an accounting firm to count his money. Can Bolt or any other trackstar for that matter ever cash in on their Olympic accomplishments like Phelps?

By Jay Hicks.

WAF Instant Analysis -Merritt Prevails and Jones Nears Victory

-Stuttgart, Germany-As I have been writing all along, this World Athletic Final meet in Stuttgart, Germany is a gut wrencher for many of the top runners.

Fatigue has set in both mentally and physically as they have been running since April and peaked for the Olympic Trials and Beijing.

In the 110-meter hurdles Lolo Jones (12.56) was a close second to Spain’s Josephine Onyia (12.50). Jones has had a riveting season that has even attracted non-traditional track fans to join the ranks of her fan club.

A $100,000 checked was earned on Saturday. The women’s javelin record fell today to Barbora Spotakova (72.28 meters) of the Czech Republic. It's great to see her break the bank and establish herself among history as a great javelin throw.

It was the same three Americans from the 2007 World Championships that included: Jeremy Wariner, LaShawn Merritt, and Angelo Taylor. It was the continuation of the back and forth today as Merritt (44.5) out leaned Wariner (44.51) in the final two steps, as Merritt lounged and ended up on the track. Each time one athlete seem to be on a roll then it changes. The sports best rivalry continues and the sport is better off for having these two great runners.

By Jay Hicks.

Track & Field's Best All-Around Athlete In The Last Twenty Years

True freshman Robert Griffin Is Already An All-American.

Think Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson - two legendary sport athletes that redefined an era. Robert Griffin III could very well be track and field's best all-around athlete and has the opportunity to do something very special.

If you don't already know about this poised young athlete, you will begin to hear more about him as this football season wears on. And by the way, he shares the same zip code (Waco, Texas) as Jeremy Wariner.

Baylor's Robert Griffin III is the truth.

On Friday night the trackstar / quarterback peeled off electrifying runs of 56, 57, and 57 yards and finished with a school-record 217 rushing yards in his second career start against Washington State. He ran for two touchdowns and threw a touchdown as the Bears beat Washington State 45-17.

Last week he lead the Bears to a lopsided victory over Northwestern State.

The highlight on Friday, was Griffin's 27-yard touchdown throw to the corner of the end zone. Griffin began the sequence by rolling left. Near the sideline, he reversed field, worked his way back to the right side before leaping and finding his wide receiver.

Gasp! The 18-year-old looked like a seasoned veteran running the Baylor offense and leading the team to its second victory on the season.

Griffin III graduated Copperas Cove high school last December, after leading them to a 4A Football State Championship to enroll at Baylor University.

Pressure situations are are old hat as he has already been to the Olympic Trials.

Robert Griffin participated in Baylor spring football practices and then ran on the universities' storied track program. By the season's end, he was the Big 12 conference champion at 400-meter hurdles, before finishing third at the NCAA Championships to earn All-American honors. Griffin III then capped off the break through season by competing at the Olympic Trials.

In high school, he was a beast on the track.

As a high school sophomore, Griffin III finished second in the Class 5A state meet in the 110-meter hurdles. But he blew away the competition as a junior when he set state records in the 110-meter hurdles (13.55 seconds) and 300-meter hurdles (35.33 seconds). The 300-meter time was one-hundredth of a second off the national prep record.

With Griffin III anchoring a second-place 1,600-meter relay team, the Bulldawgs won the Class 4A state meet.

He's even made reference to attending Law School. Griffin III has a bright future, graduating seventh in his high school 4A class.

It's a thought.

He may redefine athletics, the way Bob Beamon introduced the deep ball to the NFL.

Is it outrageous to think that in the future, Griffin III may compete for a Heisman Trophy and Olympic gold medal at the same time?

All Photograpy and Content By Jay Hicks.

Sprinter Xavier Carter Arrested in Gainesville

Xavier Carter was arrested Sunday in Gainesville, FL for carrying a concealed weapon.

He was released without bail without an attorney on record, according to jail records.

Police found a loaded Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol in the pocket of Carter's driver-side door. Carter told police he shot the gun earlier in the day but didn't specify where and why, the records stated.

Carter did not make the Olympic team. He was arrested in December 2007 for running from the police.

By Jay Hicks.

Usain Bolt Big In Mainstream NFL

Terrell Owens does Usain Bolt Inspired Celebration Move.

As if rocking the Beijing Games were not enough, he has now inspired some of the NFL's best entertainers.

Usain Bolt caused Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver Terrell Owens to receive a 15-yard penalty for throwing a shout out to the Jamaican megastar.

T.O. is obsessed with Jamaica's Usain Bolt and on the HBO's Hard Knocks he said on camera if he had a 20-yard lead that he can beat the triple Olympic champ and world record holder.

After catching a 35-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, Owens lined up at the goal line like a sprinter at the start of a 100-meter dash. It was a entertaining reminder of T.O's challenge to Bolt.

Meaning that Owens believes he can run 80 meters (actually about 82 meters, since Owens expressed his head start in yards) in less than 9.69 seconds.

If the world learned anything this year, it is to put your money on Bolt, every time.

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: Solebox x New Balance 1500

Solebox out of Berlin, has teamed up with New Balance to work on the famous 1500. There have been any dates or prices published on this shoe. The shoe may be spendy. Considering that is it manufactured in the UK and introduced in Germany.

There has been a been a big push for simplicity in the collaboration. It deliverd a black, gray, and white shoe. You judge whether you like them or not. [Solebox]

By Jay Hicks.

Universal Sports Presents Live Coverage of IAAF World Athletics Final

It's free until Nov. 9--all that is required is signing up for an account at UniversalSports.com.

The IAAF World Athletics Final from Stuttgart, Germany featuring stars such as Asafa Powell, Jeremy Wariner, Dayron Robles can be seen on live on Universal Sports TV and UniversalSports.com.

Universal Sports, in partnership with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), has delivered exclusive, season-long coverage of the 2008 IAAF Super & Grand Prix series.

TELEVISION & ONLINE SCHEDULE:

Day 1 September 13 Stuttgart, Germany 9 a.m. - 12:30pm EDT LIVE

Day 2 September 14 Stuttgart, Germany 7:30am - 11 a.m. EDT LIVE

By Jay Hicks.

Preview - IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final

Catch all of the live action on Sept. 13 - 14, at Universal Sports TV and Universal Sports.com.

The IAAF World Athletics Finals from Stuttgart, Germany brings together some of the sports top performers for the conclusion of the 2008 IAAF Track & Field Season. Athletes are competing for $30,000 in prize money and $100,000 for any new world records established at the meet.

It will be open season without Usain Bolt on the scene. It can be expected that Asafa Powell is will be running loose and bring a fast time.

The U.S. decathlon record may very well be in jeopardy. Bryan Clay is making a run to challenge the existing record which is currently held by the former World record holder Dan O’Brien, who in 1992 achieved 8891 points.

How much noise can they make in Stuttgart? Adam Nelson, Christian Cantwell, and Reese Hoffa struggled in Beijing, and hope to finish the end of the season on a much better note.

Look for a major collision in the 110-hurdles. Olympic bronze medalist David Oliver is fresh off a recent win over the Olympic gold medalist Dayron Robles of Cuba.

How fast can the most influential runner over the last year cover a lap against LaShawn Merritt? There are doubters, but look for Jeremy Wariner to make a huge statement with his performance and time.

It's been a long and tough season for the sport's most exciting athletes this season. Can Lolo Jones continue her near-domination in the 100-meter hurdles?

These three men know each other extremely well. The 400-meter hurdles has the usual suspects of Angelo Taylor, Kerron Clement, and Bershawn Jackson. Currently, Taylor is riding the hot hand as he is coming off an Olympic victory and a seasons best time of 44.30 in the open 400-meters. But that was then and Clement and Jackson can grab victory at a moments notice.

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: ASICS GEL LYTE III x MITA

Introducing the ASICS GEL LYTE III x MITA.

Some people are biased towards the Swoosh and other pledge allegiance to the three stripe king from Germany. But sometimes it's necessary to venture out and try new things. These ASICS are an inspiration to do just that. [Sneakerfreaker]

Plus your feet will thank you for treating them.

By Jay Hicks.

Track Has To Go Back To Drawing Board

Quick run up to someone at the shopping center and ask them to name three current track stars.

That’s what we thought.

Rich Pereleman for UniversalSports.com ran an incredible story about fixing track and field. Which is interesting because track is struggling to maintain against stiff competition from Mixed Material Arts, Extreme Games, and another other form of entertainment for that matter.

Pereleman wrote:

“Track & field, even in the Olympic year, is simply irrelevant as a spectator sport in the United States. The "regular season" for elite U.S. track & field athletes, in the United States, is an unremarkable series of three invitational meets called the "Visa Championship Series." In 2008, this included the May 18 adidas Track Classic in Carson, California (attendance about 2,000); the May 31 Reebok Grand Prix in New York (sell-out of 6,490) and the high-quality Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon (a legit attraction that sold out at 14,221). That’s it: three meets. The last meet in the "series" was the Olympic Trials from June 27-July 6."

The downward trend of the sport in the U.S. can tied to doping and lack of a leadership in the sport.

There is a laundry list of things that track and field must-do to improve, but becoming relevant again has to be at the top of the list.

By that I mean the sport must woven into the social fabric as it once was in this country. Gone are the days prior to 2001; my how we long for the brilliance of Carl Lewis; the incredible domination by Michael Johnson; the unpredictable antics of Maurice Greene.

Before the Olympic Trials most of the country would have been hard pressed to name fastest U.S. athlete for the past year: Tyson Gay.

Track meets have to be running in the U.S. during the summer months in order to make any ground. Many of the current track athletes lack the proper exposure. The fact is that the Adidas Classic, Prefontaine, and the Reebook GP have absolutely no media buzz.

Under new CEO Doug Logan the sport’s governing body has taken to social marketing, and that is certainly a start.

Every professional sport except track works at winning over the current and future generations. There is an opportunity with the Beijing Olympics, progress made with the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon and the star power of Usain Bolt to build momentum for the sport in this country.

Every four years we have this same conversation. Do you think this year will be any different?

By Jay Hicks.

Powells Run 9.77 in Reiti

Live Coverage on Universal Sports.com and Universal Sports TV.

It was one year ago that he owned the world record. This year Usain Bolt is the 100-meter record holder and Asafa Powell ran 9.77 in the qualifying round and despite a poor start won the finals in 9.82. Another Jamaican, Michael Frater 9.98 ahead of Travis Padgett (10.10) of the U.S. was fifth place.

Nick Symmonds of the Oregon Track Club took sixth in the 800-meters in 1:45.33.Bernard Lagat was back to his winning ways. He covered the 1,500-meters in 3:32.75.

The Jamaicans took 1-2 in the women’s 100-meters. Olympic champ Shelly Ann-Fraser 11.06, and Kerron Stewart (11.11), Carmelita Jeter (11.12), and MeLisa Barber (11.21).

By Jay Hicks.

Track Officials Won't Like This Either...

With the Beijing Games over, Usain Bolt can dance all he wants, without tv pundits and the Jacques Rogges IOC President giving their opinions.

Good for him.

Bolt and Asafa Powell perform a classic dance battle routine.What's next for the champ--taking over the reality tv dance world?

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: Reeboks x Maeda Timetanium

This is the second generation of the Timetanium. True to his reputation, graphic designer John Maeda put together a shoe with sophisticated designs and cool hues. Look for 300 pairs to be made available by Reebok.

The interior lining of the Timetanium reflects the complexity of this process, with the original, hand-written calculations by Maeda, printed on the lining and insoles.

John Maeda is a legend among sneaker heads. The legendary designer is the 16th President of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), known the world over when it comes to graphic designs, computer technology and as an educator.

For twelve years Maeda was employed at MIT, working at the MIT Media Lab. His digital media design work is featured at the Museum of Modern Art.

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: Nike Air BW - September 2008

If you like what you see, then pull the trigger. Nike is re-introducing the Nike Air BW, which has been met with a good deal of fan fare. It was originally slated to drop in September, however it can be found in stores now. [ShoeGame]

By Jay Hicks.

Bryan Clay Lands On Wheaties Box

It's all coming together. At the Beijing Games, he made so much noise that he could not be denied.

Bryan Clay is the first athlete since Dan O'brien in 1996 to win the Olympic gold in the decathalon. The General Mills could not help but take notice and will bestow on him the tradition and honor of appearing on the Wheaties Box.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis: Bolt Fabulous in Brussells

-Brussells, Belguim--It's the Usain Bolt Show!

ESPN interrupted its normally scheduled programming to deliver news that Usain Bolt ran 9.77 over 100-meters--track is coming slowly coming back. This afternoon, rainy weather, a slow start, and fatigue could not keep Bolt from ending arguably one of the greatest seasons recorded. Bolt is headed on a plane back to Jamaica, while Powell heads to Rieti, Italy where he set the 100-meter world record a year ago. The Jamaicans took the top four places with Asafa Powell, about a half second back in 9.83.

A crowd of 47,000 came out to see the new Jamaican star at the Belgacom Memorial Van Damme in Belguim.

She's rich. Or should we say a $1 million richer as Pamela Jelimo easily won the 800-meters in 1:55.16 and ran away with $1 million as the straight up winner of the ÅF Golden League Jackpot.

Without LaShawn Merritt in the mix, Jeremy Wariner (44.44) won in a commanding fashion. and Kerron Clement followed suit in the the 400 hurdles-winning in 48.29.

It's been a long season and fatigue is starting to show. In a rare occurrence, Lolo Jones (12.71) took second in the 100-hurdles to Jamaica’s Delloreen Ennis-London in 12.65.

It is impressive to see a young, up and coming sprinter get a late season win. Everyone is tired, so no one would think twice if she cruised the race. But Marshevet Hooker (22.62) scored a sweet victory at 200-meters of Jamaica's Kerron Stewart (22.76).

By Jay Hicks.

Marion Jones Is Free!

It's official. Marion Jones the only person jailed so far for doping was released from a halfway house in San Antonio, after serving a six-month sentence for lying for years about steroid use. Doping helped her win five medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the sports governing bodies have wiped her existance from track and field.

Jones served most of her six-month sentence for lying to federal investigators about her use of performance-enhancing drugs.

I wonder if Jones will take a page from Jose Canseco and write a tell-all book about the doping game.

By Jay Hicks.

Oprah Welcomes Track Olympians Home

Oprah finally shows track some love.

Chicago is using its supreme star power to improve the cities bid to host the 2016 Games in a way that only Oprah Winfrey can do.

The following track and field Olympians are participating in the season premier episode of "Oprah Winfrey Show" includes: Bershawn Jackson, Allyson Felix, Shalane Flanagan, Hyleas Fountain, Monique Henderson, Sanya Richards, Stephanie Brown Trafton, and Sheena Tosta.

The show was taped on Wednesday and airs on Monday.

By Jay Hicks.

Injured Gay Withdraws From Brussels

100-meter World Champion Tyson Gay has officially pulled out of the 100-meter show down against Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt. He is still struggling from a sore hamstring.

Wilfried Meert, the meeting organiser in Brussels, told the event's official website: "Tyson Gay has everything to lose and nothing to gain.

It is a wise decision by Gay and his advisors to protect his career.

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: Solebox by Saucony is Classic

After colloborating with Asics, Saucony is bringing back a rendition of the Saucony Jazz. Sure the colors were kept to a minimum with the honey and brown colors, but the shoe is right on time for the upcoming fall season. The shoe uses used the traditional nylon material for a smooth look.

If you like the shoe, don't hesitate on purchasing them. Only 180 are slated to be available world wide. Anticipated release is the later part of September.

By Jay Hicks.

We Finally Get Bolt, Gay, and Powell In Brussels

The Golden League race from Belgium set to run on Friday at 2 p.m. EST.

After the long awaited 100-meter show down featuring the big three is finally going to happen. The wait was extended after Tyson Gay did not make the Olympic 100-meter final in Beijing. The fans and media will finally get a glimpse of the showdown between Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, and Asafa Powell at Van Damme Stadium in Brussels, Belgium.

Sure, Tyson Gay is still working to get back to top form after his hamstring injury, but he is coming off a win at 200-meter (20.26) on Sunday at Gateheads, Great Britain.

Gay recently said, “looking forward to it” but “I'm not at 100% yet”. Making the race more compelling is that Asafa Powell just ran a personal best time of 9.72 and Usain Bolt put down 19.63.

The race is ripe for an upset. With the kind of times that Powell is capable of running in non-major race, Bolt will have to fight through fatigue and bring his big race in order to deliver a late season win.

The meet will be webcast live at Trackshark.

By Jay Hicks.

Usain Bolt To Keep It Real

The three time Olympic champion and World Record holder Usain Bolt say that he will not be changed by the money and fame.

True to his word, the Jamaican has kept it real fast and fun. On Tuesday, Usain represented it with 19.63 in Luasanne.

Here is what he had to say...

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis - Oliver Knocks Off Robles, Powell Gets Faster In Lausanne

Powell Produces Fastest Times Out of Major Competition.

With nothing on the line, you can bet that Asafa Powell improved his 100-meter time to 9.72. Good enough to be the second fastest time in history-behind Usain Bolt of course. The consistent Walter Dix was close to his personal best time in 9.92.

Powell said, "Who knows? Maybe I'm not the guy for those big championships but just the guy to compete in the Grand Prix and Golden League meetings. It's just unfortunate."

It was only a matter of time before David Oliver bested Olympic champ Dayron Robles again over the 110-meter hurdles. A fast closing Oliver (13.02) got the best of Robles (13.17), marking the second that this season that Oliver has beaten the Olympic champion and world record holder from Cuba.

The 200-meter record is in jeopardy to fall anytime Usain Bolt laces up his Pumas. Tonight Bolted equaled the stadium record in Lausanne ,as the Jamaican lite up the track in 19.63.

Without Jeremy Wariner on the track, LaShawn Merritt dipped under 44 seconds producing 43.98. What will be interesting is to see which runner holds the fastest time at seasons end.

By Jay Hicks.

Michael Who? Michael Johnson On Bolt Breaking His World Record

Michael Johnson has a great sense of humor and a great sense of history as the sport's newest superstar Usain Bolt steps on the scene.

By Jay Hicks.

Can Anyone Top Lolo Jones?

If there is a race for the most classy athlete in track and field, Lolo would probably win? Her explanation to the millions watching on the spur of the moment after hitting the ninth hurdle out of ten was incredible.

Let's just say, Lolo made some new fans.

By Jay Hicks.

Where is the Love? It's Not For Track & Field.

Track and field has always struggled with its identity. Who hasn't? But the latest onslaught is a slap in the face to the sport.

Michael Phelps is everywhere.

The guy the world has almost grown weary of seeing, greeted a cheering crowd during a parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando on Friday. And you know Michael Phelps was paid A LOT for his services.

In addition, he will host the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live", pen a book, host the video music awards, and make a cameo appearance on HBO's "Entourage."

When the money is being handed out, where are track and field Olympic gold medalists such as Bryan "World's Great Athlete" Clay or LaShawn Merritt? First the sport was given the stiff arm by NBC and now the snub by Madison Avenue of track and field's best athletes continues after the Beijing Olympics.

I get it. The general public isn't 100% sold on track and field as a marketable product - no thanks to the sports governing body. But track and field is the sport that most consumers consider to be the Olympic Games.

So, how about the corporate sponsors start showing track and field the love and respect that it so rightfully deserves?

By Jay Hicks.

Kicks: New Balance Suite Pack Introduced

The New Balance 998 x Super Team 33 Suit Pack have been faced with mix reviews.

The feed back has been that the concepts are tired and redundant. Regardless of that, the 998's are available in three different colors and composed of high quality materials from heel to toe. Official release of 998 Suit Pack is expected for mid-September at Super 33 New Balance retailers.

By Jay Hicks.