When Athletes Blog - Beijing Bound Lauryn Williams

So you wanna know who keeps Lauryn Williams fired up? Well she shares that with fans on her WCSN.com blog.

Not only is she realy fast and one of the U.S. best hopes to win big in Beijing. Lauryn is humble and down to earth in a way that only a women who runs a sub-11 second 100-meters can be.

"Stockholm Victory"

"I won Stockholm! My first 100m ever on the circuit, (Great trivia question right?) As excited as I am, I am also very nervous. I don’t know what to do now. I never get on the line with the intention to lose, but somehow I always seem to come up short until the major championship. It has been a major goal of mine to become more consistent and as a result - dominant. Winning against a great field in Stockholm it would seem that I am headed in the right direction. What I am fighting mentally now is if I achieve this consistency what should I expect for the major championship… a WR?? LOL! I know that is very wishful thinking.

What exactly was it that came together for me? Was it that I was warmed up from the 4×100m relay? Everyone says I am better when there are rounds. Was it something I ate? (you laugh but every since I witnessed Asafa Powell drowning his eggs in salt the morning before the world record I definitely don’t think twice about my salt intake as it is not nearly as much as he ate in one sitting) Was it the massage? Was it that my Swedish Aunt and Uncle were present? Was it a inspirational email from Chief Inspirer? Who knows, nor do I have the time to dwell on it hopefully whatever “it” is will continue to keep me FAST!

I would however like to elaborate on the Chief Inspirer I just spoke of. In 2005, I received the Runner’s World Magazine Heroes of Running award and Dottie was one of the other recipients. After hearing the stories of all the other recipients I felt incredibly unworthy of the honor but was grateful for the experience. Dottie and I kept in touch and I am so grateful to have met her she is such an inspiration. Oh I guess I should tell you who she is… Dottie Lessard-O’Connor is a two-time transplant athlete. In 1994 she underwent a 12-hour, life-saving bi-lateral lung transplant as a result of cystic fibrosis. Twice during the operation her heart stopped.

Well now you know I am surrounded by people like Dottie who keep me grounded and so it is hard for me to lose sight on the fact that is this at the end of the day just a game and as long as I have done the best I can who cares what everyone else thinks. I know no matter how bad I think it is there are situations that could be far worse so I am always grateful for life breath and health. It is ok to whine sometimes but I limit all negative behavior to 24hrs then I MUST move on otherwise you will spend your life being miserable.

I am really looking forward to one more great run in London before I head home for three days then depart for Beijing. I will report back with the results."

Click here to read Lauryn Williams' full WCSN blog.

By Jay Hicks.

Is the American 4x400M Relay Record That Includes Michael Johnson Coming Down?

-Indianapolis-We're not talking about the current American 4x400m relay record being broken by Jeremy Wariner, LaShawn Merritt, & Co. in Beijing next month. USA Track and Field is looking at wiping the record clean from the record books.

The team of Jerome Young, Antonio Pettigrew, Tyree Washington and Michael Johnson in 1998 ran 2:54.20 to set the American and world record in the relay, but Pettigrew in May admitted to engaging in doping activities dating back to 1997.

With that, the newly appointed USA Track & Field CEO, Doug Logan has asked for the re-examination of the record by the Men's Track & Field Chair John Chaplin. In a press released just issued today Logan said...

"Removing this record is the right thing to do, pure and simple," Logan said. We have no interest in a record that the facts - not rumors - have exposed as being achieved by fraudulent means by at least one athlete on the team. Obviously, Tyree Washington and Michael Johnson played no part in the doping activities of others, and it is a shame that they may suffer as a result. But our message is clear: compete clean, win clean and break records clean. Or, get out of our sport and out of our record books."

The American record would then go to the U.S. team of Andrew Valmon, Quincy Watts, Butch Reynolds and Michael Johnson, who ran 2:54.29 to win the 1993 World Outdoor Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

This is a tough call. I understand where Logan is coming from on the matter as he is establishing himself as tough on crime. Currently the doping issue is a black eye on the sport.

But a quick look around the professional sports world will provide a look at how the big, professional, and highly funded sports tackle the issue.

For a very good reason, Major League Baseball is not amending the records of players that tested positive over the last decade. The issue becomes that re-shuffling of times on the all-performance list is a public relations nightmare.

I know the purist at home are boiling over as these words jump off the page. But track and field is a business and maybe the best business decision may be to take Pettigrew's name off of the relay team that official appears in the record books in order to minimize the public relations blow back.

The irony not totally lost in this story is that the record that is to replace the current American record includes Butch Reynolds as a team member. Reynolds found his way back into the sport in 1992, after winning a high profile lawsuit to overturn his two-year doping suspension as a result of shoddy testing methods at the labs.

The timing of the announcement could not be worse. It is just days before the Opening Ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Less than two weeks before the games the spotlight will shift away from Allyson Felix, Jeremy Wariner, and Lolo Jones. The media will sniff this story out and then here we go with the next round of stories about how track is riddled with drugs and cheaters.

There are no easy solutions in handling the doping issue but it is also necessary to make sure that the mission of routing out drugs is not the biggest story during the biggest coverage period that the sport will receive until another four years comes around.

By Jay Hicks.

Tyson Gay’s ESPN The Magazine Feature Story Now On Newsstands

ESPN The Mag has produced arguably the best articles on Tyson Gay that I’ve seen in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games.

The issue hit newsstands on Monday and features an exclusive story “Ladies Man,” about Tyson Gay that was written by Luke Cyphers. The piece explores the three invaluable women in his life: Veronica Campbell-Brown, Daisy Gay Lowe, and Tiffany Gay.

An exclusive feature piece of this magnitude is typically reserved for Lebron, Tiger, or Shaq. Cyphers holds nothing back as he fills in the blanks where most pieces on track and field figures typically leave off.

Tyson Gay heads to Beijing to contend for Olympic gold after winning the 100-meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

As ESPN tells us:

"He'd be getting off the bus when a girl he'd always looked up to would challenge him to a race and beat him, yet again. Or he'd be on his couch, whiling away a sticky Kentucky summer in front of the TV and a woman he always looked up to would push him out the door to run the hills behind their house. Or he'd be staring at his lane on the track, whiling away the minutes between training sprints on a hot Arkansas afternoon—no coach to tell him what to do, no telling what would become of his career—and a young woman he'd always looked up to would give a nod, and they'd line up and work on his start again. And when one of his million-dollar legs betrayed him, when four years of work seemed to evaporate in a painful instant, the women he always looked up to were there to stop the tears, to let him know things would work out. To reassure him that there's always a reason.”

This feature story on Tyson Gay is now on newsstands now or can be found at ESPN.com.

By Jay Hicks.

Watch Yourself In China: The Chinese Government Is Watching You

The lesson learned today is that you should probably leave your laptop computer home, if you are planning to attend the Olympic Games in Beijing.

In what may be just the beginning of more public relations nightmares to come for the organizers of the Olympic Games. The Chinese government has required hotels to install software that allows the Chinese government to spy guest charged a U.S. Senator. Those affected include: guests, U.S. government employees, athletes families, corporate travelers and members of the media.

"The Chinese government has put in place a system to spy on and gather information about every guest at hotels where Olympic visitors are staying," said the Republican Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas.

This news is neither shocking or unexpected despite previous guarantees of freedom from IOC. "My preoccupation and responsibility is to ensure that the games competitions are reported openly to the world," Kevan Gosper said, a senior IOC Official overseeing the games.

What the IOC really meant to say is that they offer a very small version of freedom that only exists in the minds of dreamers in China.

CNN is reporting that certain internet sites at the Main Press Center and other media work places have been blocked for journalist to retrieve information. The Beijing government routinely blocks access to Chinese Citizen.

Not complying with Beijing’s demands are not an option. Brownback said the hotels "have invested millions of dollars in their Chinese properties" and "could face severe retaliation from the Chinese government" if they refused to comply.

If you are going to Beijing it might just be best to leave the laptop at home and enjoy a 'drama- free' time at the Olympic Games and the members of the media are simply out of luck.

By Jay Hicks.

When Athletes Blog - Soon to Be Olympian David Oliver

Running on the European track circuit is not easy, as a matter of fact it should qualify for the cable television show "Dirty Jobs" with Mike Rowe.

David Oliver took to his blog to share with fans the gritty and glamorous side of doing his thing while winning races. As we called it yesterday, he managed to come out on top at the Monaco Super Grand Prix, while feeling less than his best.

"You Are Only As Good As You Are On Your Off Days" "Is a quote that I take from Brooks to heart, everybody can do it when it's easy, but when the chips are down, what will you do? For those of you that were able to catch the race on wcsn, you know exactly what I am talking about.

I had a pretty decent warm-up, it wasn't great, but I knew I had more than enough to get the job done. Of course we had the customary false start from someone in the field. I came out the blocks on the re-start and on my fourth step out, I don't know what happened but it felt like I hit a dip and my hips dropped. That threw my first hurdle off, which threw the entire rest of my race off. I ended up hitting 7 of the 10 hurdles, but I was able to clean up my last two hurdles, finish in my customary strong fashion by dominating the critical zone once again and pull out a tough win.

My left quad has been tight since the race in London and that happens to be my trail leg, so today, I couldn't get the action from it I was looking for and it was causing my trail leg to be severely late, causing me to fall to the right, reverting to what I was looking like late in the indoor season. I ran 13.11 (-0.8w), Anwar was second in 13.19 and Jason Richardson ran a strong 13.23 for third. Like I said, if my off day is 13.11, a Super Grand Prix win and a 14 stack deposit into my Bank Of America account, then I am doing certain things correctly. I hope I got my bad one out of the way for the season, I can't afford a race like that at the Games! I'm off to Beijing tomorrow afternoon, I think I'm going to catch a helicopter to Nice from Monaco instead of the bus to the airport, I'm going to high-side on 'em! LOL."

Click here to read David Oliver's blog.

By Jay Hicks.

Sanya Richards Is Star Material

She wore the athletic gear well.

Not only did she win the whole thing but she made a statement while doing it at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene.

I am referring to Sanya Richard’s dominant win in the women’s 400-meters, that silenced critics and her own personal doubts after failing to qualify for World Championship team last year.

This year could not have been more different than last year for the former University of Texas 400-meter runner.

This time around Sanya made a big fashion statement with her uniform and gear as she reclaimed her star status after a year lost to illness. Wearing one of Nike's half-Space Age (forearm covers), half-wonky (knee-high black socks) uniforms, Richards brought down the house at Hayward Field while winning the 400.

There is history behind the athletic gear and the timing, A certain women by the name of Flo Jo made speed fashionable. As Richards crossed the finish line in the fresh Nike gear, the moment immediately conjured up memories of Flo Jo crossing the finish line at the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials. Flo Jo captivated the world with her racing outfits, she wore one leg outfits, fluorescent, and some of them where even lace.

Was this display a precursor to Olympic gold for Richards?

Nike chose their leading lady to debut the Nike uniform the U.S. track and film uniform— complete with the dimpled-fabric arm coverings and calf warmers that the company says provide aerodynamic advantages. The swift gloves and swift socks that are made to reduce drag in the wind.

The accessories don't just look good they are practical. Wearing arm covering while running in the August heat may seem counterproductive, but tests show that the sleeves reduce drag by 19% over bare arms, and the long socks reduce drag by 12.5%. Nike figures the improvements in the garments since the 2004 Olympics in Athens will mean a benefit of .02 seconds in the 100 meter race.

The front of Sanya’s uniform worn in Eugene is the “Nike We the People Graphic” that is to appear on the back of the uniforms of the 2008 track and field Olympic uniforms, which are provided by Nike, of course. Unfortunately it may be difficult to see on the Olympic uniforms because it’s blue on blue, but at least some people will got a glimpse before the Games.

The “Nike We the People Graphic” draws inspiration from a number of cultural elements and design influences to create a bold aesthetic specific to the USA. The graphic, created by Design Director Mark Smith, leverages Nike’s Aerographics technology.

With Aerographics, Nike designers incorporated mesh directly into a garment without any extra materials or added weight. Both the “Nike We the People Graphic” and Aerographics technology are highlighted in the 2008 USA Basketball, Track and Field, Softball and BMX team uniforms.

Specific elements of the design include: the Statue of Liberty, represented by the torch, stars and stripes representing the 50 American states, decorative elements from our nations’ currency, the olive branch and arrows from the talons of the American eagle in the Presidential seal, and the Celtic, African and Native American symbols and influences.

Sanya has a million dollar smile and the athletic gear to show off as well. Hopefully the world and most importantly the advertisers on Madison Avenue will recognize her star power in Beijing.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis – Monaco Super Grand Prix!

Isinbayeva Raises the Pole Vault World Record.

-Monaco-Can anyone touch Yelena Isinbayeva? She cleared 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches setting a new record for the second time this season. The stakes have been raised another notch and Yelena goes into Beijing as the clear favorite to win gold.

It’s about staying calm under the pressure. I think David Oliver (13.11) hit nearly every hurdle in the race and still managed to run down Anwar Moore for the win. That’s when you know your race is on.

It was just another day in the office for Asafa Powell. Today the Jamaican commonly referred to as the world’s second fastest man clocked 9.82 in the 100-meters. Darvis “The Veteran” Patton (9.98) of the U.S. was runner up with a solid performance.

More than almost anyone else Jamaica's Kerron Stewart is establishing herself as the runner to beat. Today she posted 10.94 over Sherone Simpson (10.95) of Jamaica, and Torri Edwards (11.02) of the U.S. in a hotly contested 100-meter race.

The 800 left me thinking that the U.S. athletes can not expect to be competitive if they sit in the back for most of the race and then try to pour on a huge kick down the home stretch. It isn't going to happen. Yuriy Borzakovskiy and Yusuf Saad Kamel put down a ridiculous 1:42.79. They ran every step of the race today.

By Jay Hicks.

A Sneak Peek At The American Olympic Uniform By Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren Aims For Gold.

Every Olympic Games is measured on how well the Opening Ceremonies and the athletic events frame up on the television screen.

Guestofaguest.com has provided exclusive photos of the American Olympic Uniform by Ralph Lauren. They will be televised to a global audience which is already tipped to top four billion people.

Did you expect anything less? The U.S. Team Uniforms are as iconic a figure as the polo symbol. According to Ralph Lauren the designs reached back to Jesse Owens in 1936, to deliver a classic endeavor.

Ralph Lauren made wonderful use of rich red white and blue colors, and his choice of pieces and their cuts will certainly drape the Americans in sartorial splendor. For the opening ceremony, the men and women will have a double vent navy blazer with safari pleats on the back as well as a white driving hat and canvas walking shoes.

For the closing ceremony, Ralph opted for a more casual look that includes white shorts, a red, white, and blue rope belt, a classic polo shirt and a sleeveless sweater. Expect our athletes to look dapper!




By Jay Hicks.

Monaco IAAF Super Grand Prix--Preview

Catch all of the action live on WCSN.com and Universal Sports TV.

-Monte Carlo - Don't miss the last major action before the Olympic Games at the historic Monaco Super GP. How fast can David Oliver fly over the hurdles? The U.S. Olympic Trials champion headlines the 110-meter hurdles along with Americans Anwar Moore and Antwon Hicks.

Asafa Powell will take his last run prior to Beijing Olympic Games. Can anyone touch Yelena Isinbayeva? The Russian pole vaulter will take a stab at the world record.

The women will continue to duke it out on the 100-meter international scene. Torri Edwards (10.79) will take on Jamaica's Kerron Stewart (10.80) along with compatriots Shelly Ann Fraser (10.85), Sherone Simpson (10.87), and USA’s Marshevet Hooker (10.93) in what is a class field. Kim Gevaert of Belgium, the European champion, makes another outing in her recovery from recent injury niggles.

IAAF Herculis Super Grand Prix on WCSN.com and Universal Sports TV.

Tuesday, July 29^th

Monaco, Monte Carlo

2:00-5:00p EDT- LIVE

By Jay Hicks.

Tyson Gay A Throw Back To Greatness!

It must have been the hot gear.

In sports, uniforms and shoes make the man, right? The times and performances may be tough to compare from different eras because the track surfaces and training sciences continually improve over the years. There is constant in sports and track for that matter: the gear.

We know what you are thinking, how did the athlete look performing the time?

Of course, at the U.S. Olympic Trials earlier this month, Tyson Gay ran in throw back uniforms. During the 100-meter rounds, Gay introduced a white uniform with red and blue stripes in a tribute to 1936 Olympic star Jesse Owens. He successfully executed a wardrobe change--for the finals he rocked a royal blue body suit with red and white diagonal stripes across the front.

The photo to the left is of Jesse Owens wearing the original uniform at the 1936 Olympic Games, where he won four gold medals in the 100, 200, long jump, and 4x100 relay team while defeating Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Was it the shoes that propelled him to 9.68 seconds?

Tyson’s gear certainly appealed to historically-minded fans. The 2007 World Champion at 100 and 200-meters, also sported a custom designed spike that were also inspired by Jesse Owens called “The Trinity.” The spike is named for Tyson’s daughter and it has another synergy as Gay is known for his strong religious beliefs.

It includes an X on the heel, reflecting the adidas Olympic heritage and the name Trinity embossed in gold on the side of the shoe.

“Winning is a great feeling. When you do win you can sit back and look at hard practices you went through and really appreciate the victory,” Gay said. “I wear the Trinity shoe out of respect for Jesse Owens. It’s like a new school and an old school put together. It’s my way of showing respect back to him.”

Adding another dynamic to the relationship, in 2007 Tyson Gay was awarded the prestigious Jesse Owens Award by USA Track and Field namely for his stunning 100 and 200-meter performances at the World Championships in Osaka.

Like the man he sought to pay honor, Tyson is also a man of few words and big actions. This uniform and shoes are a personal expressing of who he is and what is important to him. While at the same time adding a hip, stylish trend to today’s sports scene.

It all depends on who you ask about the significance of gear to athletes."We need to get some type of flame-retardant uniform in case he catches on fire," said Drummond, no stranger to hyperbole. "He's running so doggone fast."

I couldn’t sum it up any better than that.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis: Day 2, Aviva London 2008 Super Grand Prix

Jamaicans dominate day 2 in London.

Team USA may very well win the final medal count at the of the Olympic Games, but the Jamaicans could possibly win Olympic gold in some of the marquee races. In past Olympic Games, the U.S. has grown accustomed to crushing the competition. The rest of the world may have very well caught up.

Yesterday Asafa Powell (9.94) of Jamaica ran on cruise control while winning the 100-meters. Sherone Simpson (22.80) who also represents Jamaica, managed to pull out a close win in the women’s 200 meters.

Today Bolt (19.76) blew away a field that included Wallace Spearmon (20.27) of the U.S. in the 200-meters, setting a new British all-comers Crystal Palace record. Bolt was nearly a half second ahead of Wallace Spearmon.

Afterwards Bolt said, “Looking to Beijing, I think I have a good chance in the 200m and 100m - I'd love to do both," said the Jamaican. I'm still waiting to see what will be going on with that, my coach is making that decision maybe in a week or so.”

Going into Beijing, the Jamaican sprint star has put together a body of work that gives him the "favored" status in both the 100 and 200-meters. The looming question is whether Bolt decides to attempt the elusive double.

Jamaican superstar Veronica Campbell-Brown won the women’s 100-meters in 10.86. Runner up Shelly Ann-Fraser, also from Jamaica ran 10.95. Torri Edwards who will be representing the U.S. in Beijing took fourth (11.09) in the race. Allyson Felix was scheduled to participate in the 100-meters, but she decided to pull out of the race.

In race displaying his consistency, Kerron Clement (48.36) dominated the 400-meter hurdles.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis: Day 1, Aviva London 2008 IAAF Super Grand Prix

Catch all of the London Action at WCSN.com and Universal Sports TV.

The races at the Crystal Palace got off to a good start. According to my sources, many of the athletes are under going heavy training in preparation for the Olympics and running through this meet.

Being really good also takes good luck. With that, a false start by the field saved David Oliver from a horrid start. Out of Lane 6, Oliver (13.2) got a decent start on the second time around and won the race by digging himself out of hole halfway through the race. The time certainly isn’t what Oliver was expecting, but this sort of gritty win you want to see from an Olympic gold medal contender.

200-meter winner Sherone Simpson of Jamaica flew by Allyson Felix coming off the curb. The fourth place finish by Allyson Felix (23.00) was surprisingly slow today.

Don't question his conditioning. Asafa Powell (9.94) ran on cruise control to 100 victory. Afterwards Powell said, "Tyson not running makes no difference to me. What is important to all of us is what happens in Beijing next month."

Trinidad’s Richard Thompson won a tight second heat in 10.11, with American Shawn Crawford finishing fourth.

Positioning is everything in track and field. Bernard Lagat was boxed into fifth place with 200 to go in the mile. He simply ran out of track after he finally untangled himself down the homestretch. Lagat managed a third place finish in the mile.

After the women’s 100-meter hurdles, Kelly Sotherton of Great Britain was livid. The third set of hurdles were set in the wrong position. Four of the athletes in the race stopped running entirely. One of the athletes could have fallen and ruined their Olympic dreams. Meet officials decided to re-run the race at the end of today’s program.

By Jay Hicks.

The Final Lap: Has Everyone Gone Mad?

It has been another crazy week in the wacky world of track and field. No story sticks out more than the letter writing campaign to the President Bush, as if he isn’t busy enough doing the nation's work.

See if you can follow all of this. First Marion Jones wrote the President of the United States requesting a pardon. Then the new CEO of the USA Track & Field decides to make his first official action to write a letter asking the leader of the free world to ignore the Marion’s request. Finally, the U.S. Olympic team along with Jackie Joyner-Kersee went to the White House this week for a grand send off by President. It makes some track enthusiasts want to write a letter to President President explaining that not everyone in track and field is this strange.

• Just three weeks away from the Olympics there are a number of unanswered questions. Will Tyson Gay heal in time and be in top form before the first heat of the 100 meters in Beijing? Reuters.

• Does track and field finally have a new bold and daring show man or shall we say show women? Lolo Jones vs. a horse is being floated around. Is this serious talk? DR.

• Our sources were right on the mark. Remember how we said back in May that Liu Xiang’s injury was serious? Our sources are now saying that Xiang's conditioning is below what it should be just three weeks before the opening ceremonies.
  

By Jay Hicks.

Aviva London Super Grand Prix, IAAF World Athletics Tour—Preview

Catch the Aviva London Super Grand Prix broadcast on WCSN.com and WCSN TV.

The big draw of Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay at 100-meters, will have to wait until Beijing. As a precaution, Gay has cancelled his appearance in the 100-meters, just to make sure he does not re-injury himself before the Olympic Games.

According to meeting director Ian Stewart: “Tyson gave himself absolutely every chance to be fit for the Aviva London Grand Prix – and I know he was absolutely desperate to run here. But at the end of the day the meeting has come just a fraction too soon for him and I understand the reasons why he has had to pull out.”

But don’t discount the London Aviva Super Grand Prix because the meet, which has been expanded to a two day format boasts an impressive line up.

First starters, Usain Bolt has promised something ‘special’ for his appearance in the 200-meters, after dropping 19.67 last Friday in Rome. Might that something 'special' be a run at Michael Johnson’s World Record of 19.32?

If it is somehow possible, the women’s 100-meters continues to add drama. U.S. Olympian Lauryn Williams will face Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown and Allyson Felix of the U.S.

Williams, who qualified at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meters with a third place finish, will definitely bring the heat on Friday against two formidable opponents just three weeks before the Olympic Games.

Timing is everything, especially in the hurdles. If David Oliver beats Cuba’s Dayron Robles, then track and field may have yet another new rivalry. Robles the reigning World Record holder in the 110-meter hurdles is a beast right now.

Can Lolo Jones continue her winning ways? Former Olympian Joanna Hayes and Jamaica’s Brigitte Foster-Hylton make for an exciting precursor to Beijing.

Going into Beijing, the question mark on Kerron Clement in the 400-meter hurdles, is whether the 2007 World Champion can establish consistency in the grueling one lap race. Fridays race may provide some indication of how consistent Clement is running since his lost to Bershawn Jackson at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

By Jay Hicks.

3 Doors Down Teams Up With Sanya Richards & Jeremy Wariner

Arguably the best part of the Super Bowl is watching and discussing the television commercials that air during the big game. The Olympic Games is a quasi-superbowl for track and field, making the Olympic commercials and videos subject to a similar debate.

Asafa Powell is not the only Olympic athlete going to Beijing with a song produced specifically for the occasion.

Olympians Jeremy Wariner and Sanya Richards are featured in the newly released music video, "The Champion In Me" by 3 Doors Down, which is an exclusive track by AT&T supporting the Team USA Soundtrack. 100% of the proceeds from the iTunes and Ringtone downloads will go to support Team USA athletes.

On June 22, "The Champion in Me" music video was taped in a one day shoot at a ranch just outside of Austin, Texas. The Emmy award winning director Shawn Robbins of Robbins Media told PreraceJitters that, "Both Wariner and Richards were great to work with on this incredible project by AT&T."

Wariner and Richards are also featured in a soon-to-be released music video with the Goo Goo Dolls. The AT&T Team USA Soundtrack also features hit singers singers such as Nelly, Sheryl Crow, and Chris Brown to name a few.

Click here to watch the preview for the music video, "The Champion In Me" by 3 Doors Down.

By Jay Hicks.

Allyson Felix & Bryan Clay Have Milk

Get ready for track runners to appear in a bunch of ads before the Olympic Games, in this particular case sprinter Allyson Felix and decathlete Bryan Clay are in the middle of the action. The "Got Milk?" ad featuring the U.S. Olympians hits newsstands today in Sports Illustrated.

The folks are Pophangover.com recently wrote "that the Olympics are just around the corner - and that can only mean two things: 1) you’ll inevitably be traumatized by the sight of someone face-planting into a balance beam, and 2) it’s time for a new Got Milk ad."

Featured in the 2008 photo are U.S. Olympians, of course. From left to right: swimmer Ryan Lochte, softball’s Cat Osterman, front, track and field’s Allyson Felix, gymnast Morgan Hamm, gymnast Paul Hamm, swimmer Maritza Correia, soccer player Leslie Osborne, track and field's Bryan Clay, Kai and soccer player Sacha Kljestan.

By Jay Hicks.

When Athletes Blog --Lauryn Williams

The U.S. Olympic Trials has been take care of and Lauryn Williams has punched her to ticket to Beijing with a third place finish in the 100-meters. This is not the Detroit natives first rodeo. At the 2004 Olympic Games in Sydney, Williams earned a silver medal in the 100-meters.

Lauryn recently took to her WCSN / Universal Sports blog to share with fans, exactly what is going on with her since the U.S. Olympic Trials earlier this month.

So with the trials out the way, I took a much needed exhale and relaxed for a few days … then promptly headed to Europe. I arrived in Lucerne, Switzerland, on July 13 for a race that was on Wednesday. You would think that was plenty of time to adjust to jetlag…wrong!! I don’t know why I have such a hard time shaking it but I do. I ran 11.23s and got 3rd. It is so disappointing after a loss to face the staff that has rolled out the red carpet for you and extended hospitality above and beyond. I know that as a professional athlete, I should be looking at each race as business and just that but I can’t help but feel a certain way about wanting to put on a good performance for the person who had enough confidence in me to invite me to their meet and of course the fans.

Lucerne - which was also my first European race last year - has grown on me quickly and is very near-and-dear to my heart. It is just a small meeting, but they have been creative in making sure that their meeting is unique. Where money is limited, they have all sorts of prizes such as coffee makers, Swiss knives, Swiss watches, and diamond and sapphire stones. They have come up with a way to select the best and 2nd best performer of the meet and they get a diamond and a sapphire respectively. In addition most events have a story (where you usually have to be one of the best to get into European meets), but this is opportunity for those on the line to take a last stab at a qualifying standard. One of the great stories of this year’s meeting was Oscar Pistorius, also known as the blade runner, whose controversy has been quite the news. The crowd was electric as they cheered him on as he made his last attempt of making the Olympic team for his country. Although he came up short it was great to be present as he still made history. His attempt stood for so much more than the actual win or lose.

Back to my emotional attachment with certain meetings, Korea has been the race that has closed out each season since I have become a professional. So you can imagine how distraught I was when I found out it might take place in May this year!! Luckily they thought better of that, but the date fluctuated multiple times. As a result I have scheduled my 25th birthday party to begin the same day as the meet in Korea!!! Those brats on “My super sweet 16” had nothing on my display of emotion at not being able to be in two places at once. How could I justify an October 9th party?! I guess as time goes on things change and you have to able to adapt and move on.

Click here to read Lauryn Williams full WCSN blog.

By Jay Hicks.

Carl Lewis Sings "Break It Up"

This is sooo precious.

Do you remember when Carl Lewis went pop music in the late 1980s? And we're not talking about on the long jump runway. "King Carl" was entertaining on so many levels and brought a lot to the sport.

He is a sorely missed in track today, in part because you could count on him to act up. Which current track star would make the most entertaining music artist?

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis: Powell Brings Down Bolt in Stockholm!

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Powell Is More Comfortable In the Shadows.

The day belonged to Asafa Powell (9.88) as he exacted revenge on Usain Bolt (9.89), the Jamaican countrymen who broke his 100-meter world record.

The press will have a field day with this latest turn of events. Powell won because he exploded out of the blocks in a near-perfect start and held on with a photo finish lean over Bolt.

The time marked the fastest run of the year for Powell and indicates that he runs best without any expectations or pressure. Going into the Olympics, Bolt is still as the favorite despite todays results.

Lolo Jones (12.64) is running with extreme confidence at this point in the season. Halfway through the 100 hurdles, she was in a fierce battle and closed the gap over the last hurdle to claim victory.

Dayron Robles (12.91) broke the stadium record in the 110-hurdles in his slim victory over David Oliver (13.04). Robles hit less hurdles and secured the victory.

For right now, the one lap race belongs to Sanya Richards. Richards (50.38) won today over Novlene Williams (50.85), and Allyson Felix (50.88) in a decent race.

Jeremy Wariner won a decisive victory in the 400-meter over Chris Brown of the Bahamas. Wariner’s race is coming together and today was preparation for Beijing.

By Jay Hicks.

Dear Mr. President, Don't Let Marion Jones Off Signed USATF

In a relatively short period of time, writing letters to the President of the United States has become a new national past time. Not to be out done by Marion Jones, the sports national governing body put pen to paper to address the fallen track stars request for pardon and commutation of her sentence.

"Dear President Bush,

They say you can't always believe what you read in the papers. So, when I read that Marion Jones has applied to you for a pardon or commutation of her federal conviction for making false statements to investigators, I couldn't believe it. She lied to federal agents. She took steroids. She made false statements in a bank fraud investigation - not necessarily in that order. She admitted it. And now she apparently wants to be let off.

As the new CEO of USA Track & Field, I have a moral and practical duty to make the case against her request.

With her cheating and lying, Marion Jones did everything she could to violate the principles of track and field and Olympic competition. When she came under scrutiny for doping, she taunted any who doubted her purity, talent and work ethic. Just as she had succeeded in duping us with her performances, she duped many people into giving her the benefit of the doubt.

She pointed her finger at us, and got away with it until federal investigators teamed up with USADA and finally did her in. It was a sad thing to watch, the most glorious female athlete of the 20th century in tears on courthouse steps.

Our country has long turned a blind eye to the misdeeds of our heroes. If you have athletic talent or money or fame, the law is applied much differently than if you are slow or poor or an average American trying to get by. At the same time, all sports have for far too long given the benefit of the doubt to its heroes who seem too good to be true, even when common sense indicates they are not.

To reduce Ms. Jones' sentence or pardon her would send a horrible message to young people who idolized her, reinforcing the notion that you can cheat and be entitled to get away with it. A pardon would also send the wrong message to the international community. Few things are more globally respected than the Olympic Games, and to pardon one of the biggest frauds perpetuated on the Olympic movement would be nothing less than thumbing our collective noses at the world.

In my new job as CEO of USA Track & Field, I must right the ship that Ms. Jones and other athletes nearly ran aground. I implore you, Mr. President: Please don't take the wind out of our sails."

Respectfully Yours,

Douglas G. Logan

CEO, USA Track & Field

By Jay Hicks.

Universal Sports to Provide LIVE Broadcast of Stockholm, London and Monaco Super Grand Prix Series

Watch Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell today in 100m at IAAF DN Galan in Stockholm, Sweden.

Universal Sports, formerly World Championship Sports Network, will provide LIVE broadcasts of three consecutive Super Grand Prix Series status meeting events - from Stockholm, London and Monaco - as part of its 2008 IAAF World Athletics Tour coverage.

Kicking off today with the Stockholm DN Galan fans can tune in to watch 100m world-record holder Usain Bolt compete against fellow Jamaican and former world-record holder Asafa Powell. The action continues with the Aviva London Grand Prix this Friday and Saturday where the highly anticipated 100m race between America's world champion, Tyson Gay and Jamaican rival Asafa Powell will be held on Friday. Joining Gay and Powell in London will be Usain Bolt, who will be competing in his preferred distance, the 200m.

On July 29 the Herculis Super Grand Prix in Monaco offers the last chance for track and field athletes to fine-tune their talents in competition before the Beijing games. Over these next three competitions, fans will be treated to twice the amount of talent and heart pounding action as top athletes from across the globe come together to compete in one of the most important race series before the Summer Olympics.

Universal Sports will be broadcasting LIVE coverage of these Super Grand Prix events on its 24/7 television network. Fans can also logon to www.wcsn.com to catch a live webcast of the Aviva London Grand Prix and same day-delay coverage of the DN Galan and Herculis Super Grand Prix's (UniversalSports.com website to launch later this summer).

WHAT: DN Galan Super Grand Prix (Stockholm, Sweden)

Aviva London Grand Prix (London)

Herculis Super Grand Prix (Monaco)



WHEN: July 22 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. ET (Stockholm)

July 25 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. ET (London Day 1)

July 26 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET (London Day 2)

July 29 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. ET (Monaco)


ONLINE: www.WCSN.com

TELEVISION: Universal Sports Television Network*

* Universal Sports is currently available in New York Metro area on Time Warner Cable Channel 162, Comcast Channel 249, Cablevision Channel 110 (Conn. Channel 119), RCN Channel 190 and Verizon Fios Channel 864; in Los Angeles on Time Warner Cable Channel 226; and in Reno (NV) on Charter Comm. Channel 228. To check for availability in your area visit www.UniversalSports.com.

DN Galan in Stockholm, Sweden--Preview

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How many world records will drop?

The DN Galan, a Super Grand Prix status meet on the 2008 IAAF World Athletics Tour, takes place on Tuesday.

Breaking the world record is a culmination of timing and destiny. The DN Galan takes places in venerable old Stockholm Stadium, which was built in connection with the 1912 Olympics. Through the years, no fewer than 83 world records have taken place at this venue, more than at any other stadium in the world.

There will not be a Jeremy Wariner match up against LaShawn Merritt, but Wariner will face David Neville, who finished third at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Will the 100-meters world record get lowered on Tuesday for the second time this season?

The world will be watching the 100-meter match up between Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell. The race is almost guaranteed to produce some sparks. Powell is running in his first race since experiencing a groin injury earlier this month in Rome.

Earlier in the season, it was Bolt who brought the world's attention to the 100-meters as he set the new World Record at 9.72 seconds, breaking Powell's world record. The favorite going into the meet is Usain Bolt, and since he has a flair for the dramatic, don't be surprised to see a new world record at the end of the race.

Get Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva angry, and anything can happen. After watching Jennifer Stuczynski lower her own American record at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Isinbayeva was so angry that she broke her World Record in her first competition of the outdoor season. Look for sparks to fly tomorrow when the two meet head-to-head. Right now, Isinbayeva is riding the hot hand and is the favorite going into the meet, although this competition will be fierce.

Just call it the calm before the storm. There is a looming clash in the 110-meter hurdles between World Record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba and David Oliver, the U.S. Olympic Trials champion. Dayron's precision is nearly flawless, and Oliver is precise and physical at this point in the season. This race is simply too close to call, but we can expect the winning time to hover around 12.88 or so, which is .01 off the current world record.

By Jay Hicks.

Pardon Me President Bush, Signed Marion Jones

In between writing to her kids and doing her prison duties, Marion Jones found time to write the President of the United States for a pardon.

Jones is wrapping up a six month sentence for lying to federal investigators about the BALCO steroid investigation.

Along with hundreds of felons, Jones wrote President Bush to seek pardon and commutation for their felon crimes.

It's hard to imagine that her request will be received well by President Bush, who is an avid baseball and sports fan. But I guess you can't blame a girl for trying any means necessary, right?

By Jay Hicks.

Nike Air Max 2003!

Shoe connoisseurs rock a pair of kicks, regardless of when they were originally introduced. As a matter of fact, the more difficult it is to find a shoe, the more pride some shoe enthusiasts have in sporting them. The Air Max 2003 fits that bill.

By Jay Hicks.

When Athletes Blog - David Oliver

Image details: S

In his first race since winning the U.S. Olympic Trials, David Oliver laces up his spikes in Stockholm to hit the competition up again. Here is what the dominant 110-hurdler had to say to fans:

"I've been out in Stockholm, finally getting a chance to race again. This is the first stop on my three race tour before the Olympics. I will be racing here, London and in Monaco. Brooks [Coach Brooks Johnson] is here as well with the relay team and he will be at all of my competitions.

The last time I raced here was in 2005, my first year as a professional. I had a good result for me at the time, I came second and ran 13.23 in the process. I found a picture of the race HERE and I was leading touching down at 10 and got dominated in the critical zone by Anwar. I am glad I have corrected that flaw in my race.

The atmosphere at this meet is electric! The crowd sits right on top of you and the stadium is always rocking. There will be plenty of great results here."

Click here to read David Oliver's full blog.

By Jay Hicks.

Doug Logan’s First 100 Days Running USA Track & Field

The answer to the sport’s prayers.

The situation couldn’t be more volatile in track and field today. It’s an exciting, treacherous, and cynical time in U.S. Track and Field, as newly anointed CEO Doug Logan takes the reins of the national governing body.

In his first teleconference on Friday with the press as CEO of USA Track and Field (USATF), Doug came off as approachable and open to the challenges facing him as the organization’s new leader.

In his office, he keeps a picture of himself in a clown suit that was taken nearly twenty years ago to remind him never to take himself too seriously. That sense of humor may come in handy, as the former Commissioner of Major League Soccer gets the lay of the land and develops a plan to address track’s nearly countless areas that need attention.

His experience and business acumen is the reason the USATF Board of Directors believe he is the answer to the organization’s issues and the answer to the sports prayers.

The first 100 days will set the tone of his tenure at the organization. Managing USA Track & Field is no task for an inexperienced executive, as the organization oversees more activities than any of the other national governing bodies, such as swimming and gymnastics. Currently, USA Track & Field oversees youth running, elite running, trail running, road running, and race walking.

“In the first 30 to 60 days, I'm going to be a huge sponge. I will talk to fans, coaches, athletes, officials, members of the press and sponsors - everybody involved in the sport at one level or another,” said Logan. “It would be a disservice for me to jump in and be presumptuous that I have answers before I undergo that process.”

The honeymoon period for Logan will more than likely be extremely short with the Olympics only three weeks away. He will have get up to speed quickly, as his new role at CEO of USATF will require him to meet with the leaders of international track organizations.

Regarding the pending Olympics, Logan stated, “I think we've got a great team, and I look forward to that competition and supporting our team in the best way we know how. Beyond that, we've got a wonderful Olympic Team that I hope to be joining early in the process in Beijing, and hopefully, we will come out of that competition with a number of medals greater or equal to what we've had in the past.”

There are complex issues facing USA Track & Field such as the sport’s doping issue, the board reorganization, and of course, how to grow the sport to soccer moms across America.

“We've got a reorganization going on and a series of meetings. I'd like to offer whatever resources I've got to those organizational efforts,” said Logan. “I've got other stuff to do. I've got a very able staff that Craig [Masback] put together to sit down with and talk to, let them know what doing business with me is all about, and what being my colleague is all about.”

Logan seems unwilling to get caught up in the frenzy coming off the Olympic Trials and the energy leading up to the Olympic Games. He seems to have a sense that all of the momentum will probably not carry over to next year.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis on IAAF Golden League Paris, France Meet!

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Wariner Reigns Supreme Over Merritt in Paris.

Paris, the city known the world over for love and romance, was anything but that today to LaShawn Merritt. Jeremy Wariner (43.86) showed no love for new rival LaShawn Merritt (44.35), in a race that Wariner dominated every aspect of the race except the start.

Today, Wariner ran a bold and daring race strategy that has become his trademark as he broke 44 seconds for the second time this outdoor season. With 100 meters to go, Wariner was too much for Merritt, laying on his kick and opening up a blow out win over Merritt down the homestretch.

You knew it wouldn't take very long before the times starting dropping. Over the last month, as the media has been writing about what is wrong with Wariner, I have been curious what the race would look like when the times dipped under 44 seconds. Today, we got a great show as to what that race looks like.

The three previous races between Wariner and Merritt have been in Merritt's comfort zone, ranging anywhere from 44 flat to 44.5, and today, the stakes were raised--literally. This latest development in the 400-meter rivalry is far from over. Merritt will go back and analyze his race today and come back firing in the next race and in Beijing. That is the beauty of this sport.

Did Dayron Robles even touch a hurdle today? He ran like a beast, crossing the line in 12.88 - just a hair off his current World Record of 12.87 which he set earlier in the season. The Cuban hurdler won because of his technical precision.

Can anyone catch Pamela Jelimo? She ran 1:54.97, nearly 4 seconds ahead of the next fastest 800-meter runner.

In the women's 200, Sanya Richards (22.56) pulled out an upset victory over Muna Lee (22.59), who won the 100-meters and placed second in the 200 (21.99) at the U.S Olympic Trials less than two weeks ago. The winning time was not impressive, but racing is about winning, so it was a good win for Richards in that respect, especially considering the 400 is her specialty event.

Is the U.S. setting up to run a 400-meter hurdle sweep in Beijing? Today, three American 400-meter hurdlers ran under 49-seconds. Kerron Clement (48.43) is on a tear winning his second straight race since losing to Bershawn "Batman" Jackson at the Olympic Trials earlier this month. Clement won, because he ran with reckless abandonment over Angelo Taylor (48.91), and "Batman" in fourth place with (48.92).

By Jay Hicks.

Mavado's Music Video About Asafa Powell Is Jamaican Culture!

Track & field is a way of life in Jamaica. Dig this video of the making of Mavado’s, “On The Go, Faster Than a Bullet” a tribute song to Asafa Powell and his homeland of Jamaica. The popular Jamaican dancehall artist dropped a hot song! The island of 2.8 million will be jumping if a Jamaican born athlete wins the gold in Beijing.

Jamaica "home of the fastest man alive," loves their sprinters. Below are a pair of customized pair of Nikes in honor of Mavado and Asafa Powell and have 9.74 etched on the side.

Nike sponsored the project which looks like fun times were had by all, especially Asafa. The song is also available for purchase on I-Tunes, as well as Asafa’s Train For Speed Workout Playlist.

The 30 minute soundtrack includes hits by Sister Nancy, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, and of course Mavado. You can check out Asafa’s Train for Speed soundtrack at I-Tunes.com.

Click here to watch the official music video on youtube.

By Jay Hicks.

Doug Logan Is Chosen As CEO of USA Track & Field

The USA Track & Field Board of Directors on Thursday approved top sports executive Doug Logan, the former Commissioner, President and CEO of Major League Soccer, as its next CEO.

Logan most recently has run Empresario, LLC of New York, a sports consulting and entrepreneurial firm that in 2001 was a consultant in the creation of the National Rugby League since leaving the MLS.

After three months of an executive search and much consternation from the track and field community, a decision has finally been made. Craig Masback abruptly left USA Track and Field in January for new endeavors with Nike as Director of Global Sports Marketing Division, leaving the organization in a lurch just eight months before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Masback is credited with holding the organization together through arguably the sport’s toughest days during the doping era that brought down some of the biggest names at the time such as Marion Jones, Tim Montgomery, and Justin Gatlin.

Who is Doug Logan, you ask, the man charged with saving the sport from the brink of irrelevance?

For the last twenty years, Logan has been highly respected in sports circles as a very capable leader with extensive experience in the sports management game. He is considered the country's highest-ranking Hispanic American in sports management. By selecting Logan, the USATF Board gets an executive who is well known—a key factor in the relationship-driven world of sports marketing.

Although track and field is a sport, it is also a business, and Logan’s selection reinforces the governing bodies desire for a new business strategy. He transformed Major League Soccer’s television contracts from a time-buy to co-ventures, negotiating five-year broadcasting agreements with ABC, ESPN and Univision that more than doubled the number of national MLS games on the air. During his tenure MLS assets soared from $5 million per team to $20 million per team.

"We have said since we started the process of hiring a new CEO that it was more important to do it right than to do it quickly," USATF President Bill Roe said. "In Doug Logan, we know we have found the right CEO to take us into the next phase of growth. We are so pleased to get a person of his caliber to lead our organization, and we are excited to welcome him to the USATF family."

Logan is a bilingual sports and entertainment leader with a proven track record of generating long-term sponsor partnerships, television outreach and high fan attendance. In 1996, Sports Business Daily named Logan and MLS Sports Industrialist of the Year.

The MLS under Logan's leadership generated $120 million in multiple-year sponsorship commitments from Nike, AT&T, adidas, Puma, Umbro, Honda, MasterCard, PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch and Bic.

The news of Logan’s hiring comes as a relief to many who were concerned about going into the Olympic Games without new leadership in place.

In its 29-year history, USA Track and Field has not had a CEO with such an extensive background in developing sponsorships, partnerships, and television deals. At first glance, Logan appears to be an ideal fit for the organization. He may be just what the doctor ordered for the sport.

USATF Board members also picked a seasoned businessman in Logan, who has experience in one of the most persistent challenges facing the sport – how, if at all, to deliver a user-friendly sport to the fan, while growing revenues and exposure in the United States.

"I believe the sport is poised for a major leap of growth," Logan said. "It may seem presumptuous for me to express goals at this early juncture. However, I will devote my energies to maintaining and improving the U.S. position at the top of the medal charts in World Championships and Olympic Games, and I will be a passionate messenger in our battle against Performance Enhancing Drugs.”

The first hurdle he will face as the new CEO is the pressing matter of dealing with the USOC’s demands to restructure of the USATF Board of Directors.

In Logan, the sport has an executive who has managed and grown another niche sport in Major League Soccer to the next level. He has been in the board rooms before and sealed some major deals.

That is what you get in Doug Logan.

By Jay Hicks.
Seed Runnerspace

Gaz de France Paris, France Preview

Friday, July 18, 2008
TV: July 18, 2:30-4:30 p.m., ESPN Classic
TV: July 18, 4:00-6:00 p.m., ESPN2

Online: USA Track & Field
Online: Trackshark.com

The IAAF Golden League circuit, also known as the European circuit, picks up again on Friday from Paris. The $1 Million Golden League Jackpot will be shared between the athletes capable of winning all of the six events in their own discipline. If no one completes this feat, the athletes having won 5 events will then have to share a $500,000 jackpot.

In a league of her own, Kenyan teenager Pamela Jelimo is a candidate left to win the $1 Million Golden League Jackpot along with Russian high jumper Blanka Vlasic. She ranks 6th on the all-time list at 800-meters with a stunning time of 1:54.99.

Will the freshly paid Walter Dix win his professional debut? Nike broke Dix off nicely after the Olympic Trials, making him one of sports highest paid athletes. The scenario looks much different now that Asafa Powell has withdrawn from the meet due to a tweaked groin. The question for Dix this week is how well-rested is he just twelve days after winning the 200-meters and running second in the 100-meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

By Jay Hicks.

Chanelle Price Named 2008 Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year

Chanelle Price may be one of the greatest in a generation. The University of Tennessee committ, ran a staggering 2:01.61, recording the second-best time in scholastic history at the Prefontaine Classic against a world-class field.

Price is a well-rounded individual. She maintained a 99.28 average in the classroom, placing her in the top 5 percent of her class.

Easton Area High (Easton Area, Pa.) middle-distance runner Chanelle Price captured the 2008 Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year award. She accepted the award from 2003 Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year Allyson Felix, 2004 Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year Candace Parker and two-time Olympic gold medalist Mia Hamm preceding the 2008 ESPY Awards at the Nokia Theatre, where all 12 Gatorade National Player of the Year award-winners will walk the red carpet as special guests.

"They’re putting me up there with the Candace Parkers and the Allyson Felixes, the Lebron James, so I think that’s what, deep inside, I really enjoy," said Price. "That really says something. Now I feel like I have a tradition and a legacy that I have to carry on, so these next few years I know that there are things that I have to achieve – world records, Olympic gold medals that I have to achieve for myself, but that’ll motivate me to uphold the Gatorade tradition."

Justin Timberlake hosted the 2008 ESPY Awards at the NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE in Los Angeles. The show airs Sunday, July 20th on ESPN at 9 pm EST/PST.

By Jay Hicks.