Michael Johnson Weighs In On Greene

When Michael Johnson talks, people listen to the champ for obvious reasons. The Baylor graduate accomplished everything there is to do in the sport. In a recent British Telegraph article, Michael ripped Maurice Greene and said the former 100 Olympic gold medalist has some explaining to do about these doping allegations. It is alleged that Angel Guillermo Heredia, who is getting help from the government with “visa” issues is not just alleging they sold him drugs. Heredia has evidence such as cancelled checks, wire transfers, and email correspondence.

Michael Johnson also went on to write that boycotting the Games only hurts the athletes, and PreraceJitters.com couldn’t agree more. What was the IOC selection committee thinking? Anyone with an a clue knew it was a terrible idea when the 2008 host city was originally announced.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

A Word From Our Sponsor: Beaware the Ambush

A shot has been fired across the bow of Olympic sponsors. Yesterday, a coalition of Tibetan groups warned Coca-Cola that it would be "complicit in a humanitarian disaster" unless it used its influence to ensure Tibet was dropped from the torch route.

The sponsors and Olympic officials had to know the pressure from consumers was coming. International outrage over hosting the Olympic Games in a Communist country had to eventually cause issues for the sponsors. We all know the sponsors are after the nearly 1.5 billion consumers that have yet to establish brand loyalty. Why else would the IOC pick this location if not because of corporate greed?

As we have discussed earlier, the IOC had better convince the Chinese address the matter or the public relations mess will continually get worse. Hopefully, this occurrs before it’s too late. The athletes should not suffer from the political fallout from the a bad decision to take the games to Beijing.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Team USA vs. The World At The Penn Relays

Press Release

USATF News

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

World's top track stars compete at USA vs. The World at the Penn Relays

PHILADELPHIA - Nearly all of the world's top sprinters, including Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Allyson Felix, Jeremy Wariner, Sanya Richards and Lauryn Williams, are slated to compete Saturday at USA vs. The World at the Penn Relays.

After dominating performances over the last three years saw the home team win five of the six races contested, Team USA will attempt to equal or better that performance Saturday during the first event of the 2008 USATF Outdoor Visa Championship Series. USA vs. The World at the Penn Relays will be broadcast live on ESPN2 from 2-4 p.m. Eastern Time.

Potent lineups.

Nearly 150 athletes from 11 countries around the world will compete at this year's USA vs. The World, held annually at the Penn Relays since 2000 and featuring men's and women's 4x100 and 4x400m relays, a men's Distance Medley Relay and a women's Sprint Medley Relay. Countries challenging Team USA this year include Jamaica, Kenya, Russia, Great Britain, Canada, Bahamas, Dutch Antilles, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Trinidad & Tobago and the Dominican Republic.

An impressive array of U.S. men's stars led by the world's #1 ranked male sprinter, 2007 World Outdoor triple gold medalist Tyson Gay, 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Outdoor 400m champion Jeremy Wariner, two-time World Outdoor 200m medalist Wallace Spearmon, 2007 World Outdoor 400m hurdle champion Kerron Clement, 2007 World Outdoor 400m silver medalist LaShawn Merritt and 2004 Olympic and two-time World Outdoor 4x400m gold medalist Darold Williamson will look to keep Team USA on the winning track. Also watch for 2006 quadruple NCAA champion Xavier Carter, 2007 U.S. Indoor 800m champion Nick Symmonds and 2008 U.S. Indoor 60m champion Michael Rodgers.

Headliners on Team USA's women's squad include 2007 World Outdoor triple gold medalist Allyson Felix, 2005 World Outdoor 100m champion Lauryn Williams, 2006 IAAF World Athlete of the Year Sanya Richards, 2003 World Outdoor 100m champion Torri Edwards, 2007 World Outdoor 4x400m gold medalist Mary Wineberg , 2005 World Outdoor 400m hurdles silver medalist Lashinda Demus, 2007 World Outdoor 100m bronze medalist Carmelita Jeter, two-time World Outdoor 100m hurdle champion Michelle Perry, and the Barber twins - 2005 World Outdoor 4x100m gold medalist Lisa and 2007 World Outdoor 4x100m gold medalist Miki - among others.

Powell slated to run.

Jamaican stars expected to compete include men's 100 meter world record-holder Asafa Powell, 2005 World Outdoor 100m silver medalist Michael Frater, 2000 Olympic 4x400m bronze medalists Sanjay Ayre and Michael Blackwood, 2004 Olympic 4x100m gold medalist Sherone Simpson, 2007 World Outdoor 400m bronze medalist Novlene Williams and two-time World Outdoor 4x400m silver medalist Shericka Williams.

Final lineups for the 2008 USA vs. The World at Penn Relays will be determined Friday. For more information on this event and the 2007 Visa Championship Series visit www.usatf.org.

Living Strong!

Cancer survivor and superman Lance Armstrong ran in the Boston Marathon to raise awareness and funds for the Armstrong Foundation.

This is Lance’s first run at the Boston Marathon. Going into the race, Armstrong told Runner’s World that he expected to finish the 26.2 miles in roughly the 2:40ish time frame.

Bostonians were there to cheer him up Heartbreak Hill. Armstrong completed in 2:50.58, good enough for 496th place. Kudos to Lance Armstrong for finishing strong!

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

2008 Drake Relays Preview

Nearly 8,000 athletes from almost every state in the union are expected to compete at this years prestigious Drake Relays. Including some of the top ranked professional athletes.

Lolo Jones is coming home to run while having the break out season of her career that she hopes ends with an Olympic team bid.

The LSU alum now hopes to build on the success of her indoor performances at her outdoor season debut at her hometown Drake Relays during Saturday, April 26 session of the 99th annual Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa.

Alan Webb will return to Drake Relays. The American middle distance runner shattered the Drake Relays record in the invitational mile last year and will return to defend his title. “This will be my first mile race on the track since last year,” said Webb during a Thursday teleconference. “Hopefully, it will be the beginning of great season.”

Drake Relays director, Brian Brown, has disclosed that 1996 Olympic gold medalist Allen Johnson, the greatest hurdler in World Championship history, will be competing in the men's invitational 110 hurdles.

April Steiner, who has vaulted a 2008 world best 15 feet 2.25 inches, heads the list of athletes scheduled to compete in the women's pole vault.

The women’s pole vault field also includes 2004 Olympian Jillian Schwartz; Andree' Pickens, who was ranked No. 10 in the U.S. last year; and former NCAA champion Kate Conwell.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

John McDonnell Retiring from Coaching After 43 Years

Wow, this is an historic day. John McDonnell head track & cross country coach of the University of Arkansas, announced on Monday he plans to retire at seasons end. He has the most national championships (42) of any NCAA sport and produced countless professional athletes. McDonnell is one of the best and most successful coaches in the United States since the early 1980s.

During his storied coaching tenure the University of Arkansas has been a pro runner factory developing athletes such as : Tyson Gay, Mike Conley Sr., Wallace Spearmon Jr., Alistair Cragg, Joe Falcon, Calvin Smith, and Stanley Redwine, to name just a few. Coach McDonnell will be sorely missed.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

Long Jump Duel

By: markamahabir

Our friend, Dr. Lorraine Williams editor of TrackMom.com shared this long, long, long jump by Mike Powell. Mike Powell smashed the record of Bob Beamon, and we were startled afresh. Powell jumped 29 feet 4 1/2 inches, two inches farther than the record. The most shocking news was that Carl Lewis placed second in the 1991 world championship event.

The world record had held up for almost 23 years, the longest-standing record on the track & field books. Some thought it might be there forever. And it made us ask: What are the limits of human potential? How far can we jump? How fast can we run? How fast can we double dutch?

Length: 7:06

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Real Life Delilah Runs Strong!

Track and field needs a feel good story, a figure to elevate the sport beyond the current scandals and bad news. Delilah DiCrescenzo, the young Olympic hopeful who inspired the Plain White T's Grammy award-winning "Hey There Delilah," may very well be that person. She is furthering her bid to make the Olympic team.

Over the weekend, Delilah took third in the steeplechase in 9:51.49 at the Mt. Sac Relays. She hit the Olympic Trials A standard and Olympic Games B Standard with her last performance. If she continues to lower her time, the dream of making the Olympic team may been well within her reach.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

When Athletes Blog: Olympic Hopeful Brianna Glenn

Brianna Glenn is living the good life-- albeit not on the track and field dime. Brianna took to her blog to share with fans, her so-called fabulous life that includes running into some of biggest names in sports.

The long jump Olympic hopeful describes to fans that running professional track is like dating the guy that runs to the restroom when the check arrives and never returns to the table.

Says Brianna:

“My expectations for the trip were grossly underestimated. As soon as I landed and headed to dinner I was updated on the itinerary. First an intimate dinner at Ruth Chris for about 60. Can I just mention that we all were served steak AND lobster?! You know I was in heaven. Then it was off to spend some time being a “celebrity” bartender with the other athletes sponsored by the company. This included Kasey Kahne, a NASCAR driver, some other guy who races cars and whose name escapes me at the moment, and Chuck Lidell, a guy they call ICEMAN, who is the star of the UFC. Scary lookin’ guy but a total sweetheart. I’ll admit that I didn’t know who anybody was but after hearing their credentials, I was more than impressed. I mean Kasey has his own jet so the guy can’t be too shabby! It was my impression that we would have one bar that was closed off for this special event but I was wrong. There were in fact 12 bars rented out for the entire evening for the convention that was taking place.”

Click here to read Brianna’s full blog.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Allyson Felix Launches New Website!

Allyson Felix’s new website is definitely ridiculous! It’s a wonder that every pro runners do not have a website on this level of quality.

Fans can read about her family, faith, and daily life.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

The Final Lap: Fast Times Galore!

• Fast times at the Michael Johnson Classic. Jeremy Wariner and Sanya Richards put up world leading times on their “home” track in Waco. Wariner ran 44.56 and Richards ran 50.47. Read Star-Telegram
  

• 400-meter runner LaShawn Merritt drops down to the 200 with eye-popping results. Merritt just proved again that he has crazy speed in running 19.80 with 3.20 wind at North Carolina A&T. That’s quite impressive in April even considering the wind.

• Also running at the North Carolina A&T meet, David Oliver came up big in the 110-meter hurdles, running 13.08.

• Lolo Jones is peaking at the right time heading into Drake Relays. The Des Moines native had her best season opener ever at LSU alumni gold meet in 12.72.

• Bershawn Jackson came into the season to prove he’s a legit contender at 400-meter hurdles after failing to make the finals in Osaka last year. He is making believers after running 48.32 at the Kansas Relays on Saturday. Is this the year Jackson dips under 48 seconds again? Read Star-Telegram

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Photo courtesy runlolorun.com.

The annual professional track meet held in Carson, California is back again in 2008. Meet organizers announced two weeks ago that Allyson Felix, Jeremy Wariner, and Tyson Gay, all Adidas runners, have committed to the Adidas Classic.

On Friday meet organizers announced that two more reigning world champions- Bernard Lagat and Jana Rawlinson- and World Indoor Championships silver medalist Jenn Stuczynski have been added to the line up.

The meet typically draws big names on and off the track. Hip hop artist Bow Wow closed the 2006 meet with a live music performance.

The adidas Track Classic will begin at 12:30 p.m. on May 18 at The Home Depot Center, on the campus of California State University- Dominguez Hills. The meet will be broadcast live on ESPN from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. PDT (4 p.m.-6 p.m. EDT).

Produced by Global Athletics & Marketing, Inc., the adidas Track Classic is the second stop of USA Track & Field’s Visa Championship Series. Tickets, from $40 (finish line) down to $10, are now available by calling Ticketmaster at 213-480-3232 or visiting www.Ticketmaster.com. For group sales, call 1-877-AEG-TICKETS. Visit the event website at www.adidasTrackClassic.com for updates and more information.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

USA Today Recognizes Ryan Hall’s London Performance

Who would have thought 2:06.17 would not have won the London Marathon? Well, it was good enough to for a fourth place finish while running the fastest time ever by an American-born athlete. For his performance, Ryan Hall, was named USA Today Olympic Athlete of the Week award.

The 25 year-old is heading east to watch the women’s marathon trials April 20 and the Boston Marathon on April 21.

The kid has a major upside, and he showed that big time at his first London marathon appearance. Don’t say you didn’t get the memo on the rising star. Ryan handily won the Olympic trials marathon in New York in November with a time of 2:09:02. and he just ran a bananas time in London.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evanglist.

Catch Him If You Can

Who can catch Robert Cheruiyot? The Kenyan native is the Boston Marathon’s two-time defending men's champion and is running for his fourth overall title on the Boston course. Cheruiyot is the man to beat on Monday. If competitors want to take his crown, they had better bring their best game because he’s not going down without a fierce fight.

You heard it here. Work productivity around the world may suffer on Monday during the running of the 112th Boston Marathon. There is an interesting and growing trend - watching online video while on the job. Because the Boston Marathon is one of the most popular running events around and a lot of people do not have Patriot's Day off from work, we anticipate a large at-work audience to visit WCSN.com on race day.

FREE and LIVE at 9:25 a.m. ET on Monday, April 21 on WCSN.com.

By Jay Hicks, a.ka. Track Evangelist.

Photo courtesy NBC Universal.

The Final Lap: Trouble In Paradise

• Maurice Greene and HSI called out. It’s a sad day in track if the doping allegations against Maurice Greene are true. The IAAF says none of this is new, and there is no concern for alarm. Whatever that means. Read New York Times

• Convicted drug cheat, Justin Gatlin, owes the track community an apology after running an embarrassing 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. That kind of time is simply unacceptable when at least a dozen football players ran faster. Read SpeedEndurance.com

• Athletes be afraid—be very, very afraid. WADA announced that tests for human growth hormone (HGH) will be used in Beijing. Great, except the test only detects HGH if taken fairly recently, as in three days. And who would be that dumb? Read NBC Sports

By Jay Hicks, a.ka. Track Evangelist.

Photo courtesy Reuters.

Olympic News Runs Out of Las Vegas

NBC Universal announced its plans for the 2008 Olympic Games. Over 17 days of Games, NBC Universal will stream 2,200 hours of live and on demand video content that will be available on air, online, and on mobile devices in support of the Olympics. Wow, that's a lot of video.

NBC has inked a multi-carrier deal to give AT&T, Verizon, and Research In Motion (RIM) subscribers access to the action from Beijing.

At the big wireless CTIA show in Las Vegas, NBC’s Chief Digital Officer George Kliavkoff said this is a tipping point for mobile usage in the United States.

Fans can look forward to watching Allyson Felix while standing in the grocery line. Now we’re making progress.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

New Nike Commercial Featuring Asafa Powell!

The Oregon-based shoe giant has debuted the most recent running commercial featuring 100-meter world record holder Asafa Powell. The commercial is The commercial is for Nike+, a device that tracks your runs through distance, time and calories burned. Nike+ is made to fit into the sole of Nike shoes and transmit information to an iPod Nano.

You can bet that Nike will put its best foot forward with so much at stake in the sneaker war also known as the Olympic Games.

This Nike commercial is hot. This is no time to remain silent. By the way-where is the Adidas ad campaign?

Click here to watch the Asafa Powell commercial.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Running Icon Joan Benoit Samuelson Still Inspires

It’s been 24 years since the first women’s Olympic marathon champion broke on the world scene in Los Angeles. Joan Benoit Samuelson was a bundle of energy who managed to steal the hearts of Americans and forever change the sport of running for women in this country.

A recent New York Times article accurately calls her “The Matriarch of Marathoning,” because at the ripe age of 50, Joan is running along with one hundred and sixty-two of the top female marathon runners at the women's United States Olympic Marathon Trials this weekend in Boston.

The running legend has no illusions of making the Olympic team, however she managed to qualify, so she’s running. When asked about qualifying she said, “Oh, God, no,” she said. “It’s just me against me. I want to run 2:50 at age 50.” This is the same runner that helped pace former cycling champion Lance Armstrong at the New York Marathon in 2006.

Prior to Joan winning the gold in 1984, women had been deemed to be too weak to run such a distance. I can still remember when she came into the Los Angeles Coliseum alone that day to the roar of the crowd.

The sight of Joan wearing that white hat, turning into the stadium is an iconic Olympic moment.

Joan Benoit Samuelson transcended running at that moment because she inspired and connected with the best in each of us. What is cool is that 24 years later, she is doing the same thing.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

WCSN.com Offers First Ever Global Webcast of Boston Marathon

Our good friends at WCSN.com are making news again.

World Championship Sports Network (WCSN), the premier destination of Olympic and lifestyle sports, announced today it is joining forces with adidas and Marathonguide.com to provide a free, first-ever global webcast of the 112th Boston Marathon. Through this partnership, fans worldwide can logon to WCSN.com to watch the live and on-demand webcast on April 21, beginning at 9:25 a.m. EST.

"We're excited to partner with adidas and Marathonguide.com in offering this free webcast and to help foster worldwide awareness for this major race," said Carlos Silva, president and COO of WCSN. "Now, for the first time global road racing fans will have unprecedented coverage to see the top marathoners square off in one of the world's most prestigious sporting events."

On WCSN.com, running fans can also access Marathon Madness, a special editorial package that features original content, articles from road racing experts, interactive maps, results, highlights and more. Furthermore, WCSN.com will be offering special commentary from running legend and four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers.

"Adidas is proud to join WCSN.com in providing a free internet broadcast of the 112th Boston Marathon," said Spencer Nel, head of global sports marketing for running and track and field at adidas. "As a Boston Marathon sponsor, adidas is especially pleased to help bring the oldest continuing annual marathon in the world to as many viewers as possible in every corner of the world. With its proven track recordWCSN.com is the ideal partner to make that happen."

"Since 2000, Marathonguide.com’s mission has been to promote the sport by providing comprehensive coverage of and information about marathons and distance running. As part of that mission, we are proud to work with WCSN.com and adidas to ensure that the Boston Marathon broadcast will be available at no cost and can be enjoyed by as many marathon enthusiasts as possible," said John Elliott, founder and president of Marathonguide.com.

Deemed one of the world's most prestigious and oldest annual road racing events, the Boston Marathon is the second stop on the World Marathon Majors, a marathon series offering a $1 million prize purse to be split between the leading male and female marathoners in the world.

WCSN.com is the home of the 2008 World Marathon Majors with complete coverage of the London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York City races. Marathon fans around the globe can catch the action on http://www.wcsn.com.com/ where they can be part of the more than 500,000 spectators anticipated to be cheering on the runners as they dash through the streets of rural Hopkinton to the beautiful Boston Back Bay finish line at Copley Square. Fans will also have access to complete live and on-demand video footage plus free access to news, race results, photo galleries, behind-the-scenes features and more.

About World Championship Sports Network (WCSN)World Championship Sports Network (WCSN) is the premier destination for fans of Olympic and lifestyle sports, delivering an immersive experience via exclusive live and on-demand coverage of world class competitions, interaction with top athletes and in-depth access to sports news and information year round.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Sucker Punched!

The 400 and 1,600-meter relay teammates of Marion Jones from the 2000 Sydney Games were sucker punched last week when the IOC officially a stripped their medals. Everyone in the track world knew the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision was coming but that doesn’t change the outrage because the decision makes no sense.

Marion’s teammates had no knowledge of Marion’s actions nor were they responsible for her illegal actions. The prudent move by the IOC in this scenario should be to strip Marion of her relay medal. Oh, wait—they already did that.

Marion bashing is a sport that we will leave the “do-nothing” media to play as she serves a 6 month jail term. The people who have been wronged are Marion’s former teammates. Many of the runners are retired from track and are without an opportunity to earn another Olympic medal. Does the act of one athlete outweigh the need of fairness to eight athletes? The answering is a big fat NO! The decision to take the strip their medals is terrible policy and it penalizes the innocent athletes that the IOC is charged with serving.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Bamboozled!

Track athletes on the other side of the ocean are doing it big in tv land. The British tv show, Gladiators, will feature track stars and other Olympic athletes in lyrca-clad outfits. The former Brit Olympic 400-meter runner, Du'aine Ladejo, leads a crew of past and present track stars to headline ‘Gladiators’.

The British show will see former 400-meter runner Du’aine take on contestants under the name of Predator, alongside several other finely honed sports stars. You might recall that Ladejo won two Olympic medals as part of the British 4 x 400 men’s relay team in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.

Ladejo, who was a contestant on British reality show Celebrity Love Island in 2005, will be joined by former heptathlete Jenny Pacey, seen at the top left. Pacey is also a model and will be known on the show as Enigma, and Lucy Boggis, is tipped to be a star at the 2012 Olympics, will be Tempest.

“I've been practicing my signature pose which is a flick of my hair, a wave and then I blow a kiss,” says 19-year-old up and coming track star, Boggis, who is seen to the right.

So I tell you, we have been hoodwinked! Bamboozled! Led a stray in this country! The newly revived U.S. version of the Gladiators is a vastly inferior product. The U.S. show with Hulk Hogan should be recast immediately with some of America’s top track athletes. Who wants to sign a petition to our elected officials to get this rectified today?

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

When athletes blog: Lauryn Williams at WCSN.com

Lauryn Williams opens up about her first-time experience strutting her stuff on a different runway - a modeling runway. She premiered as a model for a good cause in her hometown of Miami.

The former 100-meter champion took time on her WCSN.com blog to chat with fans about her races, night life, and who she cheers for when she isn’t running.

Says Lauren:

”March 29 was my big debut in the Jockstarzz Fashion Show to benefit the Kevin Everett Foundation, which raises money for spinal cord research. It was so nice to be able to support a fellow Hurricane alumnus and Kevin’s fiancée, Wiande, who is my good friend, in anyway I can. Kevin is a living miracle and a true testament that you can’t take a single moment of life for granted and that you need to be appreciative of what you have, because in seconds your world can shatter.

I was sooo nervous about being in the fashion show. First of all, I was scheduled to wear a PINK dress and very high heels, which would make me about one foot taller. I have to tell you that I am not a good example of how a female should walk in heels. I am truly an athlete. Second, I am very shy. I am not at all good with being on stage in front of an audience. Even though I was terrified, I was determined to do my best. But halfway down the runway, my shoes, which were too big, started to slip off. I didn’t’ want to ruin the show by bending down and fixing them, so I slowed down my walk, which was already awkward, and took my time.

Click here to read her full WCSN.com blog.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

London Marathon Free On WCSN.com

The good folks at WCSN.com definately know how to win over the friendship of road race fans. Ryan Hall and company are now just a click away. WCSN.com is offering free, live webcast of the London Marathon.

WCSN.COM TO PROVIDE LIVE WEBCAST OF THE LONDON MARATHON.

Encore Showing of 2007 London Marathon and Highlights of

2008 London Marathon to Air on WCSN TV

World Championship Sports Network (WCSN) will provide LIVE coverage of the 2008 London Marathon this Sunday, April 13 starting at 3:55 a.m. EST. The free broadcast will be available to everyone in the U.S and Canada via WCSN.com. The Flora London Marathon will host representatives from more than 50 countries in the 26.2 mile course.

This year's lineup is packed with some of the greatest marathon runners in the world who will go head-to-head this Sunday. Former world record holder Paul Tergat (KEN) will clash with 2006 London Marathon champion Felix Limo (KEN) and defending champion Martin Lel (KEN) who will add intense competition to the race. Newcomer Ryan Hall (USA), who made his marathon debut in London last year when he finished seventh with a U.S. debut record, will be running again this year in his first major race of 2008.

WHAT: 2008 Flora London Marathon

WHEN: Sunday, April 13, 2008

ONLINE: WCSN.com (Free webcast to everyone in USA and Canada)

LIVE April 13 at 3:55am EST

TV: WCSN TV - two hour highlights on April 26 at 12:00 pm EST

*WCSN will have encore presentation of the 2007 London Marathon onApril 12 at 2:30pm ET.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Just Press Play: 1972 Ralph Mann Olympic 400H Finals

By: 1981aLan

Just Press Play is a new weekly series featuring our favorite track related videos. Our friend, Jimson Lee, at SpeedEndurance.com located this video. This is how you run the 400-meter hurdles. Today, Dr. Ralph Mann might be more famous for helping professional runners analyze their biomechanics, while one the scene, he ran the race the way it was supposed to be done at the elite level.

Not as fiery as John Akii-Bua, Mann still put together a career highlighted by an Olympic silver medal in 48.51. This race show his best work: quickly out the block, crisp over the hurdles, and crashing the finish line hard.

Time: 1:43

Click here to watch the video.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

When athletes blog: Sanya Richards at WCSN.com

The 400-meter specialist, Sanya Richards, took to her WCSN.com blog to give an insight into what is on her mind with the Olympics just six months away.

Sanya’s Top Ten Sports Wishlist

10. Yao Ming regaining full health and prepared to compete for his country in Beijing

9. Dwayne Wade back 100%

8. The Texas Longhorns Men’s BBall team going all the way

7. Carolina Kluft going for her second heptathalon Olympic

6. Ronaldino being named footballer of the year again



5. A great replacement for Craig Masback as CEO of USA Track & Field

4. Nichole Denby, Lauryn Williams, Walter Davis, & Wallace Spearmon all making the Olympic Team

3. Bershawn Jackson winning a portion of the million dollar golden league Jackpot

2. Aaron Ross making it to the Pro Bowl in 200

1. Me winning the 400m Gold in Beijing!

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Mentors Build Minds at Texas Relays

The running and partying ended, Texas Relays turned to business on Sunday. University of Texas women's track coach, Beverly Kearney, organized the 2nd Annual Minority Symposium. The symposium is a get-together where top notch business professionals, entertainers and professional athletes to pass along their experiences and tips for success to student-athletes. Coach Bev and UT have put together a program to strengthen athlete’s minds.

The Minority Symposium in Austin drew big speakers, such as Cheryl “Salt” Wray, recording artist of Salt n’ Pepa, former NFL great and sports analyst Keyshawn Johnson, and former Longhorn great and current NFL star Vince Young just to name a few.

“Creating a mentoring program in our minority community is just so important," Kearney said.

Bravo. Coach Bev is a leader and inspiration who should be applauded for her innovations. Courtesy of News 8 Austin.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

The Last Lap: Track & field News From Around The Globe

Guess whose not running anymore? Tyree Washington calls it quits. The standout 400-meter runner is known by many as the best runner to never make an Olympic team. Read BBC

Who could have guessed the latest twist in the Dwain Chambers saga. Since being frozen out by meet directors, Chambers made a dramatic career change to the Rugby Footbal League. Read Timesonline

Oops. Alan Webb’s DNF ended up being a bit embarrassing as 10,000 fans came to see him win. Read New County Times

Run Like Hell: Anthony Famiglietti is the Man!

If you don’t have Anthony “Fam” Famiglietti’s dvd, Run Like Hell, then you should order a copy today because you’re sorely missing out. This dvd gets your heart pumping.

“Fam” is a pro steeplechaser, but what's interesting about the distance runner is that he lives and trains in New York City. How wild is that? The ’04 Olympian is track’s renaissance man with the skills of a musician, visual artist, and filmmaker.

Now, he can add shoe designer to the list. Famigilietti recently discussed on a FinalSprint.com running podcast that he designed Belligerence, a new Adidas cross country spike coming out in time for fall running. Fam’s tattoo is even stamped on the bottom of the spike plate.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

They Love to Hate Jeremy Wariner

Jeremy Wariner’s feet are quieting the pervasive naysayers that continue to question his move to break from long-time coach Clyde Hart. The coaching change to Michael Ford is old news at this point, and fans are holding J Dub to a higher standard than found in the coaching carousel in pro sports.

Track discussion boards such as Trackshark and Track and Field News have been hosting misguided discussions about Jeremy Wariner. These sentiments are expressed by “fans”, and in no way are a reflection of Tom Borish at Trackshark and Garry Hill at Trackandfieldnews.com. Both are fab discussion boards that normally host many interesting topics on sport.

Quite frankly, some of the unfortunate comments hurled towards J Dub come out of jealousy, and others are from fans that may not be realistic. The reigning world and Olympic champion typically rocks races with dark black shades and headlight sized diamond earrings.

He’s envied. He is sometimes reviled. He’s the kid from Arlington, Texas who has conquered the track game. Though he’s not yet reached his prime, Wariner could claim to be the baddest 400 runner not named Michael Johnson.

He probably has a 1 million frequent flier miles to globe hop, unlimited amount of the illest Adidas gear imaginable, and as the heir apparent to Michael Johnson at 400-meters reigns supreme at center stage in the track world.

Most of the negative comments are out of emotion. So there is no sense in pointing out that Jeremy is fan-friendly and widely recognized in track circles for signing countless autographs.

As the urban poet Jay-Z says, Jeremy should brush his shoulders off and keep doing his thing, because it’s apparently working.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

Texas Relays Produce World’s Fastest Times!

The high school participation at the Texas Relays was down due to a scheduling error that placed the Texas high school sectional meets on the same weekend. It happens.

The pro runners competing at Texas Relays delivered on prerace expectations. The years line up of pros with the assistance of USA Track & Field High Performance Relay Project is arguable one of the best in years.

The Waco All-Stars, featuring Olympians Darold Williamson and Jeremy Wariner, handily won the invitational division of the 1,600 meter relay. Wariner led the Waco All-Stars to 3:00.65, the fastest time run in the world this year.

Coming into Texas Relays conventional wisdom said that USA Red Team made up of Kerron Clement, Wallace Spearmon, Derrick Brew, and Andrew Rock would compete with the Waco All-Stars. However, USA Red Team finished in a distance fourth in 3:04.68. Team USA Blue featuring Tyson Gay on the lead off leg did not finish the mile relay.

The women’s invitational 1,600 meters saw USA Red team win in 3:23.49. The Red team, featuring Natasha Hastings, and Sanya Richards, ran strong from start to finish. Sanya Richards & company beat a talented relay team made up of Torri Edwards, Carmelita Jeter that finished second.

Former Longhorn Sanya Richards ran the anchor leg for the USA Red team that won the women's invitational 400 relay with a time of 42.25, also the fastest in the world this year.

The 400 meter relay featuring Tyson Gay and Mike Rodgers won in 38.63 to edge out the USA Red team led by Wallace Spearmon and JJ Johnson.

Keep on eye on LSU senior Richard Thompson who won the invitational 100 with a very fast time of 10.0 seconds. This is a world-leading time at 100-meters.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

Highlights From Pepsi Florida Relays

• The Xavier “X-Man” Carter is not to be left out of talk of fast times from rivals Wariner and Merritt. The former LSU sprinter ran a stellar 10.15 to win the 100-meters this weekend at the Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainseville, Florida. John Capel ran 10.36 in his come back race on the University of Florida campus. Read IAAF

• The former 400m Hurdles World champion Bershawn "Batman"Jackson won the open 400 in 45.55 over Calvin Smith Jr (46.11), the son of former 100m World record holder Calvin Smith. Read IAAF

• David Oliver stormed to a 13.10 victory in the 110m Hurdles, pushed by a slight head wind in Gainesville. Oliver, a prodigious racer, indicated that his legal PB of 13.14 set at the Doha Super Grand Prix meeting last year, is under threat. Indeed, many hurdlers consider tailwinds as more of a hindrance than assistance. Read IAAF

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Big Trouble In Little China

Would someone please call the folks in Beijing and tell them to chill the heck out? After the latest series of bad news events from China, U.S. officials and other world leaders are probably waiting for Ashton Kutcher to run up at any moment and tell them that they just got Punk’d.

C’mon, you know how rowdy those wild and crazy Tibetan monks can be. The violent crackdown that resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Tibetan freedom protesters is evidence that the Chinese government is clueless about the extent to which the Olympic Games exposes the host country’s policies to criticism.

The Olympic flame lighting ceremony was disrupted by Tibetan protestors this past week. And to make matter worse, China is blocking CNN, YouTube, and other news organizations from reporting about the Tibetan crackdown.

The rapidly rising tide of negative news stories puts world leaders in an uncomfortable position of defending China’s indefensible, extreme tactics to quell free speech.

Many world leaders now face a growing chorus of voices favoring a boycott of the Beijing games. The ambivalence of China’s response only fans the flames.

While PreraceJitters.com agrees that China’s record on human rights is beyond reprehensible, we believe that an Olympic boycott is a terrible idea. First, China really doesn’t care what the United States – or any other country for that matter – thinks about their domestic policies. Second, a boycott really only punishes athletes around the world – including Chinese athletes – who have worked and suffered for the precious opportunity to represent their country on the Olympic stage.

Beijing Officials are nearing a tipping point where the host city’s issues become a distraction to the spectacle, competition, and pageantry of the Olympic Games and its’ unifying message. Maybe Beijing officials should try taking the high road on these matters. PreraceJitters.com has a prepaid phone card for anyone who wants to make that call.

I’m not saying, I’m just saying.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.

Wariner, Richards Tune Up in Sprint Wins!

Some of track’s biggest names continue to record fast times in the early portion of this outdoor season. The Bobby Lane Invitation at the University of Texas, Arlington on March 29 was a popular meet for pro runners this weekend.

Jeremy Wariner and Sanya Richards are the world’s top ranked one lap runners, and both were using the sprint races to increase their speed at 400-meters. Spotted in attendance at the meet were Olympian Michael Johnson, Olympian Jon Drummond, and Grammy award winning gospel singer Kirk Franklin.

Jeremy Wariner ran the world’s best time this season in 20.37 beating Olympian Darold Williamson and Darvis Patton, a TCU ex. This is a fast time for Wariner in his fourth meet of the year considering his personal best is 20.19, set back in ’06.

Sanya Richards ran 11.28 in the 100-meters, and she also won the 200 in 22.56 at the Bobby Lane Invitational. By the time the Olympic Trials roll around, in July Richards said she wants to be in the 10.9 range at 100-meters.

"I really want to be on the 4x100 relay team in Beijing, so today was kind of a rehearsal for that,"Richards told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. " In a perfect world, I'll get three gold medals - one individual and two in relays (4x100 and 4x400)."

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

Texas Relays A Sporting, Cultural Event

Everything in Texas is bigger. And the Texas Relays are no exception to the rule. Track and field is not just a sport, it’s a culture in the great state of Texas. A quick check of the facts reveals that, according to the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, the meet brought in 200,000 visitors, $8 million to the city, and is the second largest relay meet in the country.

The 81st running of the Texas Relays takes places at the Mike A. Meyers Stadium on the University of Texas, Austin campus from April 5 – 8. Races are held in the high school, college, university, and invitational divisions for relays events.

The relay meet is almost surreal for track fans. Texas Relays is an example what track can be in North America. The meets popularity is due in part to the fab meet management operations and marketing by the University of Texas staff. It also helps that the track federation has little to do with Texas Relay.

From the world class runners to the packed stands and runners of tomorrow-- it’s no surprise to those who have attended that the meet continually gets bigger each year. The fervent fans are aware of the key match ups and cheer loudly during the race. The stadium buzzes with speculation on who will win relay match ups.

It’s almost a right of passage for pro sprinters to place their feet on the track. Past legends to have run at Texas Relays include: Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Leroy Burrell, and Maurice Green to name just a few.

Some coaches, athletes, former athletes, fans, meet officials, and timers have come to Texas Relays for years without missing a meet. It’s also a social gathering to see and be seen. The Urban Music Festival presented by Dell is back in downtown Austin for a third year featuring Jeffrey Osbourne, After 7, and Trey Songz. Fans are also promised a guest appearance from former Longhorn standout Vince Young. Only in Texas baby!

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a Track Evangelist.

WCSN.com Offers First Ever Global Webcast of Boston Marathon

WCSN.com deserves some kudos. For the first time ever, international fans will be able to watch this year’s Boston Marathon by traveling no further than their key boards. World Championship Sports Network (WCSN), the premier destination for fans of Olympic and lifestyle sports, will be offering the first ever global webcast of the 112th running of the Boston Marathon via its broadband network.

Holding its traditional place on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 21, beginning at 9:25 a.m. EST, race fans can go to http://www.wcsn.com/for comprehensive start to finish coverage of the 26.2 mile event as more than 20,000 contenders set stride on the hilly New England terrain including the infamous one-half mile stretch known as Heartbreak Hill.

"WCSN has established itself as the top destination for competitive running and road racing events. Our mission is to elevate and deliver Olympic and lifestyle sports that exemplifies the best of the human spirit," said Claude Ruibal, CEO of WCSN. "By working with the Boston Athletic Association, we are pleased to give viewers worldwide the opportunity to watch one of the world's most prestigious sporting events and that combined, with our broadcasts of the New York, Chicago, London and Berlin Marathons, among others, provide our fans the opportunity to capture the entire season of major marathons from around the world."Read more.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

Young and Fast: Merritt Opens Strong

If anyone thinks that they have a reserved spot on the Team USA headed to Beijing they couldn’t be further from the truth. On Friday LaShawn Merritt ran the fastest 400-meters in the world this year with a time of 44.72 at the Raleigh Relays in Raleigh, NC on March 28. He started this season exactly where he left off last season: crazy fast.

Merritt bested Jeremy Wariner’s 44.82 to lead the list of world best 400-meter times.

The evolution of Merritt began last year at the world outdoor champions in Osaka. The 21-year-old, Virginia native finished second in 43.96 behind Jeremy Wariner, the winner in 43.45.

Merritt led at the 300-meter mark in Osaka last year with the world title on the line but couldn’t hold off Wariner’s late charge in the final 50 meters. Both athletes set personal bests in the race.

The young, explosive runner is arguably the sprinter with enough speed to disrupt Jeremy Wariner’s plans of winning back-to-back Olympic 400-meter titles. It will be telling how Merritt performs against reigning Olympic champion, Jeremy Wariner, in the races leading up to the Olympic Trials in July. Stay tuned this is must see television.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist

Catching Up with Olympic Hopefuls Amy Acuff and Suzy Powell

It’s an Olympic year, and these professional track athletes are busy promoting themselves with just six months until the opening games.

Sportsgirlsplay.com reported that high jumper Amy Acuff and discus thrower Suzy Powell sat down to discuss the arduous task of making an Olympic team.

I can’t think of anyone better to ask about the rigors of qualifying for the Olympics than three-time Olympian Acuff and two-time Olympian Powell. Roster spots on Team USA are won at the Olympic Trials in Euguene, Oregon in July, just one month before the games. The cool demeanor of these track women has helped them deliver in the pressure cooker environment of past Olympic Trials meets.

Click here to watch the interview with Amy Acuff and Suzy Powell.

By Jay Hicks a.k.a, Track Evangelist