Last Update · April 21, 2006 ·

CLIP FILE

How can the TRACK PROFILE NEWS SERVICE help you?

Below is just a partial listing of recently published clips, images and dispatches produced by Bob Ramsak and the Track Profile News Service. Check for a listing of upcoming events on Track Profile's coverage schedule or contact Bob Ramsak at bob [at] trackprofile.com to discuss your upcoming coverage needs.

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-2004-

21-December
Gatlin – Spending Life in a Fast but Busy Lane
Immediately after earning the title of “World’s Fastest Man” in Athens with his win in one of the most spectacular 100m races ever, Justin Gatlin confirmed that carrying the mantle of Olympic Champion for the next four years is a big responsibility. It’s also turned out to be a very busy responsibility.
“I usually like to just rest and relax during the season break,” he said after a training session last week, “but I was so busy flying to different places, doing different things.” But, he added, “It was great. No complaints.” A TPR exclusive interview for the IAAF...

14-December
For Lebid, Portuguese Idols and Nine Years of Training Consistency
To most who watched Sergiy Lebid waving to the crowd in the closing moments of Sunday’s European Cross Country Championships men’s race, a record fifth victory for the Ukrainian victory seemed all but certain. But that assessment was not one shared by the laid back, jovial Lebid. At least not at first.
"Today was not easy," the 29-year-old Ukrainian said. "It was not pressure-free. Everyone expected me to win." A profile for the IAAF...

10-13-December
Coverage from the European Cross Country Championships
SEEBAD HERINGSDORF, GER – Sergiy Lebid captured an unprecedented fifth title while Hayley Yelling sprinted to her first at the 11th SPAR European Cross Country Championships.
12-Dec - Men's race report
12-Dec - Women's race report
11-Dec - Pre-race press conference report
10-Dec Event preview


11-December
TPR #182 - From Tears of Joy to Eight-Year Ban for Collins
After her 22.31 victory in the 200 meter semi-finals at the 2003 World Indoor Championships, the first of two national records she would set in as many days, Michelle Collins was fighting back tears.

“I have worked so hard,” the then-32-year-old American told TPR, before pausing briefly to compose herself. "I have paid my dues in this sport and I was so tired of losing. And I've trained so hard this year, I want to go home with a gold medal."

With a dominating 22.18 performance in the final, she did leave Birmingham with gold, one that she would be forced to surrender almost exactly 21 months later.
More in TRACK PROFILE Report #182...

08-December
TPR #177 - In '04, Campbell Rises to Top of Women's Sprinting
TPR's Season Review continues with a look back at Veronica Campbell's 2004 campaign...

Four years ago, Veronica Campbell became the first woman to claim a sprint double at the World Junior Championships. This year, with a pair of gold medals and a bronze, the young Jamaican left Athens as the most heavily decorated athlete in athletics to emerge as the premiere sprinter of 2004.
"It is a very good feeling," the 22-year-old Campbell says when describing her new title of 200 meter Olympic champion. "It’s real exciting, but I don’t let it really get to my head."
Yet her performance in Athens, beginning with a bronze medal in the 100 and ending as the anchor of the victorious 400 meter relay squad, was hardly modest. More...

02-December
TPR #173 - Mack: Older, Stronger, Smarter, and Going Higher
TPR's Season Review continues with a look back at Tim Mack's golden year...

Forgive some (perhaps most?) for feeling just a bit stunned when Tim Mack captured the Olympic pole vault title in Athens. After all, prior to his win at July's U.S. Olympic Trials, the only major prize in the then 31-year-old Cleveland, Ohio native's trophy case was a gold medal from the 2001 Goodwill Games. He had never claimed a national outdoor title and wasn't even a "full-time" athlete until just a few years ago.
Yet that was all of little consequence on 27-August, when, with a last attempt clearance at an Olympic record 5.95, he won a brilliant duel with teammate Toby Stevenson to become the 19th American to claim an Olympic pole vault title. More...

02-December
TPR #172 - IAAF Charges Kenteris, Thanou, Tzekos With Doping Violations
2000 Olympic champion Konstantinos Kenteris, 2000 Olympic silver medallist Ekatherina Thanou and their coach, Christos Tzekos, were charged with doping violations today by the IAAF, the sport's international governing body. More in TPR #172...

27-November
TPR #167 - Kipkoech, Marconi Headline Sunday's Citroen Milano City Marathon
MILANO, Italy -- Kenyan Raymond Kipkoech and Italy's Gloria Marconi headline their respective fields at Sunday's fifth edition of the Citroen Milano City Marathon. More in TPR #167...




27-November
TPR #166 - In First Meeting Since Athens, Baldini, de Lima Exchange Congratulations
MILANO, Italy - Much has changed in the lives of both Stefano Baldini and Vanderlei de Lima since they captured the gold and bronze medals in August's Olympic Marathon.
Yet with all the media, promotional and public appearances, photo shoots and commercial spots that would follow, both marathoners don't appear to have been jaded in the least by the aftermath of their roles in one of the most dramatic --and now infamous-- marathon finishes ever. Exclusive report in TPR #166...

26-November
TPR #165 - Lauryn Williams' Silver Medal Bonus
TPR's Season Review continues with a look back at the breakout season for Olympic 100 meter silver medallist Lauryn Williams...

What began late last winter as a chase for an elusive NCAA title nearly ended in Olympic triumph for sprinter Lauryn Williams, one of the brightest revelations to emerge this season from the deep pool of young American sprint talent. More...

22-November
TPR #163 - Gatlin: "I’m Just Honored to be in One of the Best Races in History"
TPR's Season Review begins with a visit with Olympic champion Justin Gatlin, winner of arguably the finest-ever 100 meter race...

A year ago, Justin Gatlin sat at the Stade de France in Paris as just another spectator at the World Championships. With injury knocking him out of last year’s national championship, the promising young American talent --despite solid performances leading up to Paris-- was kept from the world stage.
Nevertheless, displaying patience that few young twenty-somethings possess, Gatlin wasn’t too troubled with his role as spectator.
“It just wasn’t my time to be World champion,” the cheerful, mild-mannered Floridian said then.
12 months later, the 22-year-old would leave the 2004 Olympics with three medals-- the most heavily decorated athlete on the men’s side-- capped by his victory in one of the most unforgettable 100 meter races in history, and earning him the right to carry the mantle of ‘World’s Fastest Man’ for the next four years. More...

21-November
Ceplak Named Slovenian Athlete-of-the-Year
Olympic bronze medallist Jolanda Ceplak was named Slovenia's female athlete-of-the-year for 2004 the AZS, the country's athletics federation, announced Saturday evening. More...

17-November
Miles-Clark Pursues the ‘Honest Race’
After her fifth place finish in the 800 metres at August’s Olympic Games, veteran Jearl Miles-Clark said she had no regrets.
I didn’t get the medal,” she said, “but I’m not going to cry about it. I ran hard.”
A look back at the 38-year-old's fifth Olympic season.A report for the IAAF...

12-November
Clay is not to be taken for granted
A few hours after claiming the Heptathlon silver medal at the World Indoor Championships in March, Bryan Clay was overheard asking a USATF official: “Does this mean I’ll get my picture in the media guide next time?”
The team official nodded, smiling. “Yes it does,” she said.
It was an oversight that Clay’s performances since will not allow to happen again. Indeed, if his 6365 point performance in Budapest, making him the second highest scoring American ever, signalled his rise from obscurity, his 8820 point tally for Olympic silver in Athens ensured that the 24-year-old would not be forgotten again.
A profile for the IAAF...

29-October
The End of the Line - 2004 Says Good-Bye to Notable Win Streaks
All good things must come to an end. It’s a trite but true statement that was displayed on the athletics tracks of the world several times this year as several significant win streaks, all by heavy Olympic favourites, came to dramatic conclusions.
The win streak Grim Reaper made his first appearance the most devastating and merciless one, taking down two of the sport’s biggest stars on July 2nd at Rome’s Golden Gala.
A look back for the IAAF...

27-October
Crawford and the Zebra: 'I definitely could beat him now.' - TRACK PROFILE Report #160
For nearly thirty minutes after the conclusion of the 200 metres at the Golden Spike Super Grand Prix meeting in Ostrava early last June, Shawn Crawford laid motionless in the athletes’ post-race area, at first catching his breath from his 20.35 runner-up finish, then later, with his head propped against a bag, just staring at the sky.
Perhaps he was genuinely tired or maybe disappointed with his narrow defeat to training partner Justin Gatlin, who edged him by four one-hundredths of a second. Or, he may have simply taken advantage of an opportunity for a brief respite before plunging headlong into the most remarkable season of his career. A report for the IAAF...

25-October
Kipkoech over Goffi in Stride-for-Stride Battle at Venice Marathon - TRACK PROFILE Report #158
VENICE, Italy -- After a stride-for-stride battle that stretched over the last nine kilometers, Raymond Kipkoech outkicked Danilo Goffi to grab a thrilling one-second 2:09:54 win on an overcast and hazy morning at the 19th Venice Marathon on Sunday. Complete report for Race Results Weekly, Runners World On-Line and TPR #158...

19-October
Agencies: Greek Journalist, Witness in Doping Probes, Attacked - TRACK PROFILE Report #153
Two motorcycle helmeted attackers stabbed and beat a Greek sports journalist yesterday, a key witness into federal investigations probing doping scandals in Greece, Reuters reported today. More in TPR #153...

19-October
Olsson Considering Triple Jump, High Jump Double
After a season in which he won 18 of his 19 competitions, captured Olympic gold and banked half of the Golden League million dollar jackpot, what will triple jump World champion Christian Olsson do as an encore in 2005?
To keep things interesting, perhaps a return a return engagement to his first love: the high jump.
"I've been speculating about it but I still haven't decided how seriously I want to take it," the 24-year-old Swede said, before adding without hesitation, "But I will never leave the triple jump." A report for the IAAF...

13-October
Fredericks Says Goodbye: A Career Tribute
After a farewell tour last month that spanned half the globe, the athletics world finally bid adieu to one of the most respected and talented athletes it had the pleasure of knowing: Namibian sprinter Frank Fredericks. TPR's profile for the IAAF, track and field's international governing body...

27-September
$5.6 Million in Prize Money Awarded in September - TRACK PROFILE Report #149
More than US$ 5.6 million in prize money was awarded in international track & field competition in September, The TRACK PROFILE Report's ongoing prize money tally showed. Based upon winnings reported from the Brussels and Berlin Golden League meets, the Rieti, Italy Grand Prix, the season-capping World Athletics Final in Monaco, and the IAAF's Multi-Event Challenge, at least $5,664,044 in prize money and bonuses were awarded this month. More in TPR #149...

21-September
Bekele and Isinbayeva - The New Generation Take Command
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Keeping in tune with the ‘new generation’ theme that emerged from last month’s Olympic Games, Kenenisa Bekele and Yelena Isinbayeva, two of the sport’s youngest and brightest stars, are the 2004 Athletes of the Year. A profile for the IAAF...

18-19-September
* Coverage from the World Athletics Final *
The Track Profile News Service was delighted to be a part of the IAAF media team reporting from the second World Athletics Final in Monaco. In addition to Live event Reports, previews of the Sprints (06-Sept), Middle & Long Distance events (07-Sept), Hurdles (08-Sept), Jumps (09-Sept), and Throws (10-Sept), below is a sampling of other stories as well:

19-September
Veronica Campbell - Modest in life but Displays on the Track
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Veronica Campbell readily admits that she's a shy, somewhat introverted person. But there's nothing introverted about the performances the 22-year-old Jamaican displays on the track. A profile for the IAAF...

19-September
Shaheen's WR Assault Highlights Final Day of World Athletics Final
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Saif Saaeed Shaheen came tantalizingly close to his own world record in the steeplechase to highlight the second day of the IAAF World Athletics Final in Monte Carlo.
Demoralizing Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto and Paul Kipsiele Koech, the Kenyan trio that swept the podium at last month's Olympic Games, Shaheen stopped the clock at 7:56.94, the fifth fastest performance ever.
Complete middle and long distance report for the international distance running news service Race Results Weekly...

18-September
Mack Delights With 6.01 Vault
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Just a few weeks after winning the Olympic Pole Vault title, Tim Mack took the next logical steps after winning the World Athletics Final: join the still very much exclusive six metre club, and then, take an unlikely stab at Sergey Bubka’s World record. A profile for the IAAF...

18-September
Wins by Holmes, Abeylegesse Highlight World Athletics Final Day One
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Thrilling homestretch runs by Kelly Holmes and Elvan Abeylegesse highlighted the first day of the World Athletics Final at Monte Carlo's Stade Louis II. Complete middle and long distance report for the international distance running news service Race Results Weekly...

19-September
World Athletics Final Preview, Monaco Notebook - TRACK PROFILE Report #147
MONTE CARLO, MON -- With a long Olympic campaign behind them, 21 Olympic champions and another 52 silver and bronze medallists have converged on the Riviera to wind down their seasons at the second World Athletics Final this weekend.
Topping the distance field is double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes who will contest the 1500 on Saturday. Fatigue is a common theme among the athletes, managers, trainers and media assembled here this weekend, and for the Briton, it has not only stemmed from her non-stop commitments after her 800/1500 Olympic double. More in TPR #147...

12-September
Golden League Jackpot co-Winner Christian Olsson: "It definitely wasn't easy."
BERLIN -- Soon after claiming athletics' biggest single financial award this year, Christian Olsson offered perhaps the understatement of the year.
“It feels like it just tops the season off with a really, really big exclamation point!” A profile for the IAAF...

12-September
Hayes - 'It has taken time to calm down' after Athens
BERLIN -- Clearly showing that her world-leading 12.37 Olympic record dash in Athens was no fluke, Joanna Hayes dominated the 100 metre Hurdles here with a 12.46 win, making her debut at Berlin’s Olympic stadium a notable one.
“It was my first Golden League win,” the 27-year-old Olympic champion said, “So I couldn’t be more pleased.” More...

07-September
Middle & Long Distance Preview – World Athletics Final
Besides several eagerly anticipated Olympic rematches that are on tap, the most alluring aspect of the middle and long distance races in Monaco is that “the steeplechase question” can finally be addressed: could Saif Saeed Shaheen have prevented a Kenyan podium sweep at the Olympic Games? That question will be answered on Sunday, 19 September when the 21-year-old Qatari toes the line with Kenyans Ezekiel Kemboi and Paul Kipsiele Koech, the Olympic gold and bronze medallists. Preview for the IAAF...

06-September
Sprints Preview – World Athletics Final
With most sprint medallists from Athens, along with nearly all of this year’ s big meet winners surviving a grueling season to earn spots in the World Athletics Final, the season-capping two-day meeting in Monaco is truly set to feature this year’s Best of the Best. Preview for the IAAF...

03-September
Shaheen's 7:53.63 WR - Looks can be Deceiving
BRUSSELS -- To the capacity crowd of 47,000 at the Stade Roi Baudouin madly urging him on, it may have appeared that Saif Saaeed Shaheen only knew the World record in the 3000 metres Steeplechase was finally his, when he waved his thanks and appreciation some fifty metres before reaching the finish line. But Shaheen, the reigning World Champion, said his new global standard of 7:53.63, breaking the 7:55.28 set by Brahim Boulami on the same track just over three years ago, was all but assured two-thirds into the race. Profile for the IAAF, the sport's international governing...


16-29-Aug
*** Coverage from the Olympic Games ***
The Track Profile News Service was delighted to be a part of the IAAF media team for the Olympic Games. Below are a few of several stories filed from the Olympic Games for the IAAF as well as other media.

29-August

Consistency brings ultimate Olympic reward for Baldini - IAAF

Borzakovskiy fulfills promise - IAAF

28-August

Xing - the surprise of all surprises - IAAF

Fredericks - It's now time to give back - IAAF

Day Nine Distance Report - RRW
Firmly etching their place in Olympic history, Kelly Holmes and Hicham El Guerrouj completed double victories to highlight a sensational conclusion to athletics competition at Olympic Stadium. Complete report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service.

27-August

Phillips - 'USA jumpers are back' - IAAF

Day Eight Distance Report - RRW
Kicking effortlessly past Ejegayehu Dibaba in the final 80 metres, Xing Huina captured the Olympic title in the 10,000 metres, claiming the first victory in the event for China. Complete report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service.

26-August

Day Seven Distance Report - RRW
With strong performances in their respective semi-finals, Wilson Kipketer and Kelly Holmes continued their steady march towards Olympic glory to highlight the distance events on day seven of the athletics program at the Olympic Games. Complete report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service.

Halkia's Rise From Obscurity: "All You Need is a Greek Soul, and a Lot of Hard Work" - TRACK PROFILE Report #146
Fani Halkia’s meteoric rise from obscurity reached a triumphant climax with her gold medal-winning performance in the 400 meter hurdles last night, providing the biggest surprise by far of these Olympic Games.
Harkening back to Cathy Freeman’s triumphant 400 meter gold medal run in front of a capacity crowd in Sydney four years ago, the tumultuous roar of the crowd at Olympic Stadium quite likely shook the foundation of the Acropolis when the 25-year-old Greek crossed the finish line in 52.82, just shy of the stunning 52.77 Olympic record she ran in Sunday’s semifinals.
“I was told even before the race that it was going to be an amazing night,” said Halkia, speaking through a translator, whose personal best prior to the Games was 53.99. “No matter what anyone says, this experience can’t be described in words. I felt numb before the race. The only thing I was thinking was that I wanted to reach the line first, just to make everyone happy.” More in TPR #146...

'New Generation' Excels in Women's 200 - TRACK PROFILE Report #145
Continuing the “new generation” theme of these Olympic Games, 22-year-old Veronica Campbell dashed to a dominating win over 18-year-old Allyson Felix in the 200 meters. More in TPR #145...

25-August

Sepeng and Mulaudzi - Different generations, same goal - IAAF

Day Six Distance Report - RRW
No major surprise emerged from the opening round of the men's 5000, setting up a clash of giants in Saturday's final. Kenenisa Bekele, who won Friday's 10,000 title, and Hicham El Guerrouj, winner of yesterday's 1500, both ran to compfortable qualifying performance in the first of two heats, pitting the two in a race for bragging rights as the top distance runner of the Athens Games. Complete report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service.

Ottey out for rest of season - IAAF

24-August

Day Five Distance Report - RRW
After a thrilling stride-for-stride homestretch battle with Bernard Lagat, Hicham El Guerrouj captured his elusive 1500 meter Olympic championship.
The moment he crossed the line, just a step ahead of Lagat, his hands covered his face, and when they dropped, he displayed to the world a look of shock, relief and exuberance.
Just a few words summed up the emotion of the moment for the greatest middle distance runner of his generation.
"It is finally complete," he said.
Complete report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service.

23-August

The dream comes true for Justin Gatlin - IAAF

Day Three Distance Report - RRW
With an unforgettable homestretch run, Kelly Holmes captured the gold medal in a thrilling 800 while Meseret Defar ran to a dominating win in the 5000 during day four of the Summer Olympic Games. Complete report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service.

22-August

Budapest bronze boosts Nesterenko to Olympic win - IAAF

21-August

Day One Distance Recap - RRW
The biggest applause at Olympic Stadium yesterday, the first day of athletics competition, didn’t come for Greek heptathlete Aryiro Strataki or triple jumper Hristos Meletoglou –-though both received resounding support. It came for two-time defending 10,000m champion Haile Gebrselassie; first when he was introduced, and again when he finished, courageously if not victoriously, in fifth place in the last track race of his legendary career.
The victor was, as expected, another Ethiopian, Kenenisa Bekele, who, playing his successor’s role perfectly, won in 27:05.10, eclipsing Gebrselassie’s eight-year-old Olympic Record in the process. Complete report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service.

20-August

Third man Crawford intends to sprint out of the shadows - IAAF

Dragila - The 'Tiger is going to come out' in Athens - IAAF



13-Aug
Ottey, Ceplak Lead Slovenia Squad in Athens
A squad of 18 will represent Slovenia in Athens, led by Olympic veteran sprinter Merlene Ottey and European 800 meter champion Jolanda Ceplak. The 44-year-old Ottey, who will contest both the 100 and 200, will compete in her seventh Olympic Games, a feat unprecedented in athletics competition. Ottey has won individual or relay medals in each Olympic Games since 1980 while representing Jamaica. Ceplak, the indoor world record holder, competes in her first Olympic Games, and is among the favorites in the 800m. A report for the IAAF...

10-August
Vlasic Improves to 2.03
Ljubljana, SLO - A first-attempt 2.03 clearance by Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic and a strong training run in the 300 by world 400 meter champion Ana Guevara were the highlights of the thouroughly entertaining annual EAA meet in Slovenia's charming capital. A complete report for the IAAF...

06-August
Like Father, Like SonAfter London, Men's Olympic 100m Picture Fuzzier Still
Zurich, SUI - Further complicating the pre-Athens picture in the wildly unpredictable men's 800 was Bahraini Youssef Saad Kamel's surprise win in the 'B' race here, with his stunning short-lived 1:43.11 world-leading effort. His breakout performance shouldn't have come as a big surprise. Afterall, Kamel's father Willy Konchellah, was a two-time 800m world champion. A mini-profile for the IAAF...

03-August
After 10.77, What Comes Next For Lalova More Important Still
It can't be easy being Ivet Lalova these days.
On June 19, the 20-year-old Bulgarian emerged from relative sprint obscurity with a blistering 10.77 win at the European Cup First League competition in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. After knocking a massive quarter of a second from her previous best, Lalova suddenly found herself as the sixth fastest women in 100 meter history.
But just as swiftly, rumors began making the rounds that her dash, while admittedly fast, wasn't quite that fast. On-site accounts credited the peformance to a false start that was never called. Photos of the start began to surface across cyberspace, which while inconclusive, seemed to support that assessment. More in TPR #138...

03-August
After London, Men's Olympic 100m Picture Fuzzier Still
Four years ago in Sydney, conventional wisdom said that the men’s 100 meter dash, the showcase event of the Olympic Games, was Maurice Greene’s to lose. This time around, the race is virtually anyone’s to win, a point that Asafa Powell hammered home after his jaw-dropping display of power at the Super Grand Prix in London last Friday. More in TPR #137...

01-August
American Champions Trammell and Phillips to Highlight Linz GP
With less than three weeks remaining before the Athletics program begins at the Olympic Games, a slew of Athens-bound stars will make their final preparations at Tuesday’s 17th Intersport Gugl-Meeting IAAF Grand Prix, in Linz, Austria. And with solid fields throughout, the final stop on the Grand Prix circuit prior to Athens promises compelling competition in every event. A preview for the IAAF...

29-July
Gebrselassie: “I’m Still Quite Good.”
LONDON -- While it might be twilight time in Haile Gebrselassie’s legendary track career, the personable Ethiopian insists on looking towards the future. More in TPR #136...

29-July
Backley's Last Hurrah on Tap in London on Friday
LONDON – For British athletics fans, Friday’s Norwich Union Super Grand Prix may provide a bittersweet moment as Steve Backley, one of Britain’s most successful athletes, makes his final UK appearance. But Backley, among the world’s finest javelin throwers over the past decade-and-a-half, said that during his final competition at the Crystal Palace, his training base since 1985, he’ll try to keep the emotion of the moment in check. More in TPR #135...

29-July
Ayhan Not Expected to Race Until Olympics, Abeylegesse to Double
LONDON -- Sureyya Ayhan, the premiere 1500 runner of the past two seasons, isn't expected to make her 2004 debut until the event's first round next month at the Olympic Games. More in TPR #134...

27-July
Olsson's Win Streak Ends, Ramzi, Shaheen Defeated - Report from Stockholm's DN Galan Super Grand Prix
STOCKOLM -- Upsets, thrills, some chills and a dramatic spill were the order of the day at the DN Galan Super Grand Prix in Stockholm’s Olympic Stadium.

In the upset department came the fourth notable win streak to reach an end this month, but the latest victim of the win streak Grim Reaper was perhaps the least likely, considering the setting. With a wildly enthusiastic capacity crowd on hand to bear witness, Christian Olsson’s 29-meet win streak was finally halted by Romanian Marian Oprea, and in the end it wasn’t even dramatic. Report for the IAAF and in TPR #133...

26-July
Ramzi, Shaheeh Return - DN Galan Preview
STOCKHOLM -- Several Olympic and World Championships medallists, including six 2004 world leaders, top the bill as the as the IAAF Super Grand Prix series continues at the DN Galan meeting in Stockholm's intimately charming Olympic Stadium. A preview for the IAAF...

23-July
Obikwelu - ' I didn’t panic. I just ran my race.'
PARIS -- The unpredictable men’s sprint picture less than a month before Athens became hazier still after Francis Obikwelu’s dominating double dash victory at tonight's TDK Golden League, Meeting Gaz de France Paris Saint-Denis. Profile for the IAAF, the sport's international governing...

23-July
Tonique Williams-Darling: "Racing-wise, I Have My Game Plan Together"
PARIS -- The win-streak Grim Reaper made his presence a heavy one at Rome's Golden Gala Golden League meeting earlier this month. There was the headline-grabbing beating he inflicted on world record holder Hicham El Guerrouj, but that came after he already sharpened his blade in the women's 400 when Tonique Williams Darling ended Ana Guevara's 23-race reign. More in TPR #132...

17-July
Jacobs Accepts Four-Year Sanction for THG
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that Regina Jacobs was suspended for four years for testing positive for the anabolic steroid THG. More in TPR #131...

16-July
Johnson on Cruise Control As Hurdles Competition Begins at U.S. Trials
While the vast majority of prospective U.S. Olympians spent late June and early July quietly preparing at home, 1996 Olympic high hurdles champion Allen Johnson was making a lot of noise in Europe. "You know, right now, I feel great," he said after crushing the field en route to his world-leading 13.05 in Lausanne, Switzerland last week. More with Johnson in TPR #130...

15-July
HSI Statement Re: Torri Edwards
A statement just released from HSI, the management company that represents Torri Edwards. The statement appears in its entirety in TPR #129...

15-July
Edwards Tests Positive for Stimulant, Olympic Status Uncertain
Torri Edwards, the world 100m champion and runner-up in the short dash at the U.S. Olympic Trials, has tested positive for a banned stimulant, the IAAF, the sport's international governing body confirmed today. More in TPR #128...

14-July
Wilson Kipketer: 'Thinking About the Small Things'
After a remarkable decade-long span at the top of his event, 800 meter world record holder Wilson Kipketer sent a strong signal that he’s not yet ready to concede the one trophy missing from his otherwise stellar resume --that of Olympic champion. A profile in TPR #127...

14-July
Invitation to Paris Golden League Remains Open to Jones
Marion Jones remains welcome to compete at next Friday's Gaz de France Golden League meet in Paris despite the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's ongoing investigation into doping allegations, the meet's director said yesterday. More in TPR #126...

13-July
Ottey and Double for Osovnikar make up for Weather and Ceplak’s withdrawal – Slovenian Championships
VELENJE, Slovenia -- From the outset, it became abundantly clear that any high expectations at the 14th Slovenian National Championships would not be met (10/11 July). Indeed, with driving rains, strong winds and rapidly falling temperatures the first day, and just plain bitter cold the second, the conditions were more conducive to the summer ski-jumping competition which was held here last weekend as well. A complete report for the IAAF...

10-July
Asafa Powell: 'This Year I'm Feeling a Lot More Confident'
LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- As competition in the men’s 100 meters gets underway today at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, the eyes of the athletics world will focus squarely on what many describe as the “toughest” race in the world. But at least one person says he won’t be paying too much attention. A chat with Asafa Powell in TPR #125...

07-July
Mutola's Win Streak Ends, Close Call for El Guerrouj in Lausanne
LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- In a stunning upset, Svetlana Cherkasova put an end to Maria Mutola’s 36-race win streak while Hicham El Guerrouj halted his losing streak at one, but only by the narrowest of margins at the Athletissima Super Grand Prix in Lausanne Tuesday night. A complete report in TPR #124...

02-July
El Guerrouj Humbled, Kipketer Shines, Kipchoge Now Fourth Fastest Ever
ROME -- In a dazzling display just 48 days before the athletics program in Athens begins, the second leg of the TDK Golden League series provided ample proof of just how unpredictable an Olympic year can be. High drama unfolded in virtually every middle & long distance event in Rome’s Golden Gala, reaching an unparalleled crescendo in the final 50 meters of the men’s 1500 when it became abundantly clear that world record holder Hicham El Guerrouj would be defeated --and quite soundly-- on the same track where he set his still-standing world records in the 1500 and mile. Complete distance report for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service...

01-July
East Aiming to Qualify for Olympic Middle Distance Double
Commonwealth 1500m champion Michael East will contest both the 800m and his specialty at next weekend's Norwich Union Olympic Trials in an attempt to become the first Briton to compete in both events since the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. More in TPR #123...

01-July
The Heat is On: Rome Golden Gala Preview
ROME -- A full slate of intense competition is on tap as the TDK Golden League series resumes Friday night at the MGK-Vis Golden Gala meeting in Rome's Stadio Olimpico. Exclusive preview in TPR #121...

30-June
Cloete 'Pleased' With Season's First 2m Effort
ZAGREB, Croatia -- After her winning two-meter leap at yesterday's Zagreb Grand Prix, two-time World high jump champion Hestrie Cloete was visibly thrilled. IAAF...

29-June
Pittman Returns, Cloete at Two Meters
Zagreb, CRO - A dominant return to competition by 400m Hurdles World Champion Jana Pittman and the ongoing duel between Hestrie Cloete and Blanka Vlašic highlighted the 54th edition of the Zagreb Grand Prix. A p for track's international governing body, the IAAF...

28-June
Cloete-Vlasic Rematch on Tap in Zagreb
Zagreb, CRO - The Grand Prix circuit moves to Central Europe with Tuesday's Zagreb Grand Prix in the Croatian capital. A preview for track's international governing body, the IAAF...

26-June
Grigorieva Hasn't Given Up On Athens Bid
"The height that won the gold medal in Sydney is not even going to be close to the medals in Athens," Grigorieva said after a win Friday night at the Minerfest EAA Meet in Velenje, Slovenia. "It’s still a new event, really, and people expect more progress."
That progress, propelled by Dragila and a slew of Russian vaulters, led by world indoor and outdoor champions Svetlana Feofanova and Yelena Isinbayeva, has left the 28-year-old Russian-born Grigorieva far behind. Now, with the Australian Olympic Committee's July 5 selection deadline quickly approaching, Grigorieva faces an unlikely race against the clock for the chance to even defend her silver medal-winning performance of four years ago...TPR #116...

26-June
Ceplak Waves But Australians Provide The Action in Velenje
Velenje, Slovenia - An impressive win by Australian Clinton Hill in the 400 and solid outings by local athletes highlighted the ninth Minerfest EAA Meeting, Slovenia’s premiere annual athletics event, in the athletics-crazed northern city of Velenje, last night. A complete report for track's international governing body, the IAAF...

21-June
Jones Using All Means to Mount Her Defense
With the start of the Olympic Games less than two months away and her participation in Athens still in doubt, Olympic triple champion Marion Jones has increased her public offensive against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. A report for the Ljubljana, Slovenia daily, Delo...

17-June
Gatlin, Crawford Developing an Early Season Pattern
After a spell of 1-2 finishes, training partners Justin Gatlin and Shawn Crawford seem to be setting a pattern into motion. "I’m happy that me and my training partner are going one and two every time we run," said Gatlin after finishing second behind Crawford in the 200m at last Friday's Evergood Bislett Games in Bergen, Norway. "We’re like the new Ato Boldon and Maurice Greene."... TPR #114...

16-June
USADA: "Baseless Attacks" by Jones
The U.S. Anti Doping Agency Responds to comments made by Marion Jones during her press conference in San Francisco... TPR #113...

16-June
Jones Calls for Public Hearing, Bislett Director Denies 'Refusing' Jones
In an ongoing campaign to clear her name, triple Olympic champion Marion Jones continued her offensive against the United States Anti-Doping Agency, calling upon the agency to hold a public hearing into its ongoing doping investigation. "I am not going to engage in the United States Anti-Doping Agency's secret kangaroo court," Jones said. Complete report in TPR #112...

16-June
After WR, Abeylegesse's Bold Prediction: "100 percent Gold"
When Elvan Abeylegesse shattered the world record in the 5000 meters last Friday in Bergen, Norway, immediate comparisons with recent double world record setter Kenenisa Bekele filled the cool night air. But the petite Ethiopian-born Turk would have nothing of it. “I am not the same,” she said, speaking through an interpreter. “I am Elvan.” TPR #111...

16-June
Sanya Richards, Indoor 400m World Junior Record Holder, Turns Pro
400m World Junior record holder and five-time NCAA champion Sanya Richards will leave the collegiate ranks to pursue the sport professionally, the 19-year-old University of Texas sophomore announced today. TPR #110...

11-June
14:24.68 World Record for Abeylegesse in Bergen
(BERGEN, Norway) -- Elvan Abeylegesse of Turkey demolished the world record in the 5000 meters, running 14:24.68 as the six-meet TDK Golden League series got underway this evening at the Evergood Bislett Games in Bergen, Norway. A complete distance report from Bergen for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service...

11-June
Webb Taking His International Breakthrough in Stride
(BERGEN, Norway) -- After his world record run in the 10,000 meters, Kenenisa Bekele was certainly the happiest athlete in Ostrava's Vitkovice Stadium on Tuesday evening. But if a measure of personal delight can be accurately assessed, U.S. miler Alan Webb was certainly a close second. TPR #109...

10-June
Women’ s 5000M WR Assault On Tap As TDK Golden League Begins
An assault on the women's 5000 meter world record highlights the distance events as the six-meet TDK Golden League series gets underway this evening at the Evergood Bislett Games in the western coastal city of Bergen, Norway. A temporary host for the country’s largest athletics event, Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, is aiming to leave its mark as it fills in for Oslo, the traditional home of the Bislett Games. A distance preview for Race Results Weekly, the international distance running news service...

10-June
Marion Jones Press Conference in Ostrava - Complete Transcript
Transcript of Marion Jones Conference in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Monday, June 7 in TPR #108...

08-June
Bekele Again: 26:20.32
A complete report from Ostrava's Golden Spike Super Grand Prix for the IAAF...

07-June
Ostrava Super Grand Preview
The TRACK PROFILE Report's exclusive summer coverage begins with a preview of the Golden Spike Super Grand Prix from Ostrava, Czech Republic...

29-May
TRACK PROFILE 2004 Coverage Schedule Updated
Olympic Games, all Six IAAF TDK Golden League Meets highlight TRACK PROFILE's travel schedule, beginning with the Golden Spike Super Grand Prix in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Complete Schedule...

27-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #102
Doping Raids in Italy, Ostrava Additions, News, Notes and more in TPR #102...

24-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #101
USADA Press Statement Following Meeting with Marion Jones. More in TPR #101...

21-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #100
Strong 1500m Announced for Ostrava Super Grand Prix. TPR #100...

20-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #99
Home Depot Invitational Preview. TPR #99...

19-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #98
IAAF ON WHITE, BOLT IN OSTRAVA 200, News, Notes and More in TPR #98...

19-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #97
Kelli White Accepts Suspension, Awkward Situation Awaits IAAF. TPR #97...

12-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #96
Banks on Bell, Lorraine Fenton, More Testing in Greece. TPR #96...

11-May
Banking on Bell
Former triple jump world record takes U.S. champion Kenta Bell under his wing: "He's probably the only one with the goods to challenge Olsson right now. There's a guy in Stockholm whose yellow shorts are going to be brown." Update for the IAAF...

04-May
TRACK PROFILE Report #95
Shot Putter Kevin Toth Suspended for THG. More in TPR #95...

03-May
Lorraine Fenton: 'Going for the gold.'
A profile of the multiple big meet medallist in the 400m for the IAAF...

29-April
TRACK PROFILE Report #94
A Bad Cash Flow Day, Paul Tergat's Battles and more in TPR #92...

22-April
Maurice Wignall Profile
Wignall - Long jumping's loss becomes hurdling's gain -- a profile for the IAAF, track & field's international governing body...

09-April
Tergat Takes on the Battle Against Hunger
Paul Tergat knows about the importance of a warm meal. Which is precisely why he’s approaching his recent appointment as a World Food Programme (WFP) Ambassador Against Hunger with the same level of seriousness as he is with training for this summer’s Olympic Games. A profile for the IAAF Magazine...

07-April
Sanya Richards Profile
Sanya Richards -- No Cutting Corners as She Seeks Ultimate Olympic Goal -- a profile for the IAAF, track & field's international governing body...

02-April
TRACK PROFILE Report #92
Sanya Richards exclusive, Deena Kastor and more in TPR #92...

(Golden Spike)

26-March
TRACK PROFILE Report #91
Tergat Withdraws from London Marathon, No Olympic Double for Bekele and more, plus photos of Kenenisa Bekele relaxing in Prague. More in TPR #91...

18-March
PRESS RELEASE - NEW TRACK & FIELD ANNUAL REVIEW NOW AVAILABLE from The TRACK PROFILE NEWS Service
Olympic hopefuls, track legends, and a comprehensive season review are featured in The TRACK PROFILE READER 2004 -- a new yearbook of track and field published today by Global Book Publisher (USA, UK, CAN, AUS). The book’s overview of the 2003 track and field season features not only reports on the year’s major competitions, but also in-depth interviews with dozens of international Olympic hopefuls, world champions and promising young stars. More about The TRACK PROFILE Reader 2004...

16-March
TRACK PROFILE Report #90
World Indoor Championships wrap-up, Bernard Lagat, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, 2004 Prize money update and more in TPR #90...

Exclusive Coverage from the 10th World Indoor Track & Field Championships

07-March
World Indoor Championships Final Day: Mutola Gets Sixth Title
Day 3 Distance Recap for the international distance running news service, Race Results Weekly...
More about RRW...

06-March
Last Year Behind Him, Lagat Wins World 3000m Title
Bernard Lagat's victory tonight was not only his nation's first-ever victory in the 3000 meters at a World Indoor Championships. For the 29-year-old Kenyan, for years among the finest middle distance runners in the world, it was also redemption, vindication, and finally, his first title of "World Champion."...
More about RRW...

06-March
World Indoors Day 2: Dulecha and Douma-Hussar Go 1-2 in 1500m
Day 2 Distance Recap for the international distance running news service, Race Results Weekly...
More about RRW...

06-March
TRACK PROFILE Report #88
Complete Day 2 Recap in TPR #88 from Budapest...

05-March
World Indoor Champs Day 1: Maria Mutola on Fire
Day 1 Distance Recap for the international distance running news service, Race Results Weekly...
More about RRW...

04-March
TRACK PROFILE Report #86
Preview, news and Notes in TPR #88 from Budapest...

04-March
World Indoor Track and Field Champs Begin Friday
Distance event preview for the international distance running news service, Race Results Weekly...
More about RRW...

03-March
Running Events Preview
Detailed running events preview for the IAAF, track & field's international governing body...

27-February
TRACK PROFILE Report #85
Lievin Preview, Jumpers Targeted as Doping Tests in Greece Escalate. More in TPR #85...

24-February
TRACK PROFILE Report #84
UKA Statement: Chambers committed a Doping Offense. More in TPR #84...

23-February
TRACK PROFILE Report #83
Filling in the BALCO Blanks, Cantwell's Bomb, and more in TPR #83...

19-February
TRACK PROFILE Report #82
Birmingham, Athens Indoor previews and more in TPR #82...

16-February
TRACK PROFILE Report #80 - Shot Putter Kevin Toth Announces Retirement
Cleveland, OH, USA (16-Feb) -- Just hours after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency confirmed his positive test for the designer steroid tetrahydrogestrinone, or THG, US Shot Put champion Kevin Toth announced he was finished with the sport. But the 36-year-old Ohioan insisted that his alleged association with the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative, the California-based nutritional testing and supplement company now targeted in a federal probe for illegal steroid distribution, had nothing to do with his retirement. Exclusive report in TPR #80...

14-February
BALCO Indictments Set the Tone for the Olympic Year
Track & field hit the front pages this morning, but it was certainly not the type of publicity the sport, it's athletes or fans necessarily wanted as the Olympic year gathers steam. But with a high profile coach and several big-name athletes enmeshed in the ongoing BALCO saga, Thursday's announcement of a 42-count indictment probing the distribution of anabolic steroids is very likely to set the tone for the sport for the rest of the year.
An in depth look at indictments and accompanying affidavits released Thursday in TPR #79...

05-February
Cantwell Takes off Again
It didn't take Christian Cantwell (USA) very long to pick up where he left off. The surprise winner at last September's IAAF World Athletics Final, the 23-year-old shot putter has sat atop the early-season world lists since he resumed competition last month, and he firmly believes that his hefty start bodes well as the 2004 season gathers steam. A profile for the IAAF, track and field's international governing body...

27-January
Torri Edwards - Three Medals in Paris, But not Dwelling on the Past
Torri Edwards was just another name in the deep pool of American sprint talent. Last August, the cheerful Californian left Paris as the most heavily decorated athlete of the World Championships.A profile for the IAAF.

23-January
TRACK PROFILE Report #76
Torri Edwards, Paul Tergat, Indoor season news, late-breaking updates and more in TPR #76...

07-January
TRACK PROFILE Report #75
500m World Best for Nazarova, No THG in Salt Lake City, more on Michael Blackwood, Indoor News, late-breaking updates and more in TPR #75...

07-January
Blackwood is set on repeating '02 in '04
After disappointment at last August's World Championships in Paris where he was edged for a medal by the narrowest of margins, Michael Blackwood is already treating the past season as a fading memory, and is aiming to return to the form that put him in the 400m spotlight. "2003 was a difficult year," said the 27-year-old Jamaican. "Everybody came out hungry. I'll step it up a notch in 2004"...

03-January
Trammell Aiming for 100/110H Olympic
After beginning 2003 on a rampage, Terrence Trammell's season was hobbled by injury, but he bounced back to win a surprise silver at the World Championships. This year, the Sydney runner-up has his sights set on two team berths for Athens. A report for the IAAF...

01-January
TRACK PROFILE Report #74
Positive drug tests confirmed, legal issues delay prize money payments, more on Terrence Trammell, Shawn Crawford, late-breaking news updates and more in TPR #74...




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