The Final Lap: Injury Sidelines World's Fastest Man!

• When is the last time a pro runner withdrew from a race because of a pulled pec muscle? Well, last week Asafa Powell pulled out of Mt. Sac Relays, and the 100 world record holder also sitting out of Penn Relays with the sore chest injury. Read Guardian

• There are more questions than answers about Alan Webb’s training just four months before the Olympic Trials. An unfit Webb has pulled out of Drake Relays because his training isn’t up to par. "My training hasn't progressed to where I feel I can deliver the type of performance that I would like to for the Drake Relays," said Webb. "I hope to be able to make up for it and come back next year." Read Des Moines Register

• Can you spare a dime brotha? In a ridiculous occurrence, Marion Jones’ teammates are hoping to raise more than $200,000 in attorney fees needed to challenge the IOC’s ruling to strip their medal in international courts. American athletes should not have to foot the bill for being caught up in this debacle. Read Chicago Times

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

Photo Courtesy BBC.

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

Meseret Defar to Compete at Reebok Boston Indoor Games

Meseret Defar (l) & Shalene Flanagan (r)

Red Sox fans are legendary for their fervor. What most people don’t know is that Boston track fans can be every bit as rabid about their passion, braving brutal weather to cheer on their favorite runners throughout two major, prestigious running events: the Boston Marathon and the Reebok Boston Indoor Games.

On January 26, the Reebok Boston Indoor Games will be a track meet to behold. Last year’s event produced a women’s world record in the 5k, Alan Webb’s fastest indoor mile race and a complete show by distance runner Craig Mottram.

Casual fans may not know that since the Reebok Boston Indoor Games began in 1996 the indoor track meet has attracted elite runners from around the globe to compete.

This year is no different, and a star-studded line up is set to compete. The Reebok Boston Indoor Games is the second stop on the Visa Championship Series, which is the indoor professional track circuit hosted by USA Track & Field.

Among the stars competing are Meseret Defar, the reigning Olympic gold medalist and world champion at 5,000 meters, who was named World Athlete of the Year in the sport.

Defending champion Craig Mottram of Australia, New Zealand's Nick Willis, Ethiopia's Tariku Bekele and American phenom Galen Rupp lead a top international field for the men's 3,000-meter run at the 2008 Reebok Boston Indoor Games on January 26, organizers announced Thursday.

Tickets for the 13th annual Reebok Boston Indoor Games are on sale now at the event website, www.BostonIndoorGames.com, or by calling 1-877-TIX-TRAC.

Of course, USA Track & Field would love for you to pay with your Visa.

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