Below is just a partial listing of recently published clips, images and dispatches produced by 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.
27-December
TPR #594 - After 2006 Breakthrough, 'Anything is Possible' in Men's 200m
With his fabulous 19.63 dash in the 200 meters in Lausanne last July, Xavier Carter accomplished two significant feats. First, the 20-year-old rose to international stardom by becoming the second fastest man in history over the half-lap, behind only Michael Johnson’s legendary 19.32 world record run in 1996. And the second, something that the athletics world has been patiently waiting on over the ensuing decade, was to help resuscitate the event to the point where a realistic assault on Johnson’s mark would actually and finally be openly discussed. More for the IAAF and in TPR #594...
27-December
TPR #593 - Kastor, Kipkoech Cheruiyot top 2006 Race Results Weekly Marathoner Rankings
Race Results Weekly, the wire service of distance running, announced that American Deena Kastor and Kenyan Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot were the top-ranked marathon runners of 2006. RRW produced for the second time an annual top-10 marathoner ranking based on key victories, head-to-head competition, fast times, consistent performances in multiple races and, in some cases, heroic efforts. More for in TPR #593...
19-December
TPR #592 - Noguchi Joins London Marathon Field
Olympic marathon champion Mizuki Noguchi has joined the field for the 2007 Flora London Marathon, heading what may be the strongest elite women's field ever over the distance. “The Flora London Marathon brings together the highest level athletes," said Noguchi, whose 2:19:12 performance at the 2005 real Berlin Marathon made her the third fastest ever."I have decided to go to London because I want the opportunity to test myself against the best athletes in the world.” More for in TPR #592...
19-December
TPR #591 - Bekele, Defar Named Race Results Weekly Runners of the Year
Race Results Weekly, the wire service of distance running, announced today that Kenenisa Bekele and Meseret Defar, both of Ethiopia, have been selected the Race Results Weekly 2006 Runners of the Year. RRW, the most comprehensive global source of middle and long distance running results and news, selected Bekele and Defar for their superior performances in cross country, track and road running throughout 2006. More for in TPR #591...
19-December
TPR #590 - Johnson Commits to a Pair of UK Indoor Dates
U.S. hurdler Allen Johnson will be among the key names to compete at both major indoor competitions in the UK this winter, organizers announced today. Johnson, whose incredible longevity has placed him firmly among the world's finest hurdlers for more than a decade and a half, is slated to compete at the both the Norwich Union International in Glasgow on January 27 and the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Birmingham on February 17. More for in TPR #590...
14-December
TPR #589 - Isinbayeva to Headline 100th Millrose Games
Yelena Isinbayeva, the Olympic champion and world record holder in the pole vault, will headline the Millrose Games on Feb. 2 as the event celebrates it's 100th edition, organizers announced today. More in TPR #589...
12-December
TPR #588 - Tadesse, Kipchoge Join Edinburgh Cross Country Field
Eritrean Zersenay Tadesse and Eliud Kipchoge of Kenyan have joined the field for the EventScotland Great Edinburgh International Cross Country race in the Scottish capital on January 13, organizers announced today. More for in TPR #588...
08-12-December
* Coverage from the 13th European Cross Country Championships
San Giorgio su Legnano, ITA –- Below is a sampling of stories produced by the Track Profile News Service that are available on the world wide web.
12-December
TPR #587 - Patience Pays for Farah
San Giorgio su Legnano, ITA –- About 24 hours before the gun sounded the start of Sunday's men’s race for the European Cross Country title, Britain’s Mo Farah was asked to summarize his 2006 season. Said the personable 23-year-old: “It’s been a good year.” On Sunday afternoon, it got even better. More for the IAAF and in TPR #587...
10-December
Farah ends Lebid’s reign –- European Cross Country Champs, Men’s Races
San Giorgio su Legnano, ITA –- Displaying both uncharacteristic patience and newly-forged confidence, Mo Farah stormed to a commanding senior men's race victory at the 13th Spar European Cross Country Championships, ending Sergey Lebid’s unprecedented win streak at five. “I had a good feeling today,” said the 23-year-old Briton, who last year finished a distant 21st. More for the IAAF...
10-December
Holovchenko unexpectedly triumphs – European Cross Country Champs, Women’s Races
San Giorgio su Legnano, ITA –- Propelled by a gutsy front-running performance, Tetyana Holovchenko of Ukraine stormed to the women’s senior title, while Portugal edged Great Britain in the closest team race ever at the 13th SPAR European Cross Country Championships. "I never expected to win,” said the 26-year-old, until now better known as a 1500 metre specialist. “I thought that a place in the top three was within my reach.” More for the IAAF...
09-December
'Mud, mud, glorious mud!' European XC title candidates undeterred
San Giorgio su Legnano, ITA –- After nearly 24 hours of non-stop rain, the prevailing topic of discussion on the eve of the 13th SPAR European Cross Country Championships focused on a dirty three-letter word: mud. Thus even with a forecast calling for clear and cool skies for Sunday’s six races, competitors and spectators alike can expect conditions that will guarantee the truest test of cross country running. More for the IAAF...
08-December
TPR #586 - Can Anyone Stop Lebid? - European Cross Country Championships Preview
San Giorgio su Legnano, ITA –- As European athletics attention turns to this weekend’s 13th edition of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships, the primary question to be answered on Sunday is this: Can anyone end Sergey Lebid’s reign as the continent’s undisputed King of Cross Country? More for the IAAF and in TPR #586...
07-December
TPR #585 - Dibaba Set For Boston Return
Tirunesh Dibaba, who set the world indoor 5000 meter record at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games nearly two years ago, will return to the Boston venue for the competition's 12th edition on January 27, organizers announced today. More in TPR #585...
03-December
TPR #584 - Five Cities in the Hunt for 2011, 2013 World Championships
Five cities will be in the hunt to host to the 2011 and 2013 World Championships in Athletics, the IAAF, track and field's international governing body, announced today. More in TPR #584...
29-November
Forced to Miss Asian Games, Shaheen Looks Towards Mombasa
With a nagging Achilles tendon injury knocking him out of next month’s Asian Games, Saif Saaeed Shaheen is looking towards the upcoming IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, Kenya as his next primary objective. More for the IAAF...
28-November
TPR #583 - Injury Sidelines Shaheen From Asian Games
Unable to shake a nagging injury, Saif Saaeed Shaheen, the world record holder in the 3000m steeplechase, will not compete at next month's Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. More in TPR #583...
25-November
TPR #582 - Richards, Wariner Named U.S. Athletes of the Year
Just a day after Clyde Hart was named the U.S. Coach of the Year, his star pupils, Sanya Richards and Jeremy Wariner, were named recipients of the 2006 Jesse Owens Awards, the U.S. governing body's highest annual accolade. More in TPR #582...
25-November
TPR #581 - Perry Already Planning Ahead to 2007
The long winter chill has yet to fall on Eastern Europe, and organizers of Ostrava's Golden Spike are already filling in their start list slots for their 46th edition on June 27, 2007. Michelle Perry, the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles, is the first athlete committed to the meet, the premiere annual athletics gathering in eastern Europe. More in TPR #581...
25-November
TPR #580 - Ngeny, 2000 Olympic 1500m Champion, Retires
Kenyan Noah Ngeny, who upset heavily favored Hicham El Guerrouj to win the 2000 Olympic title in the 1500 meters, has retired from competition, his management agency, Pace Sports Management, announced today. More in TPR #580...
22-November
TPR #579 - Bekele, Mottram Match set for January in Edinburgh
World cross country champion Kenenisa Bekele will return to defend his Great Edinburgh International Cross Country crown on January 13 in the Scottish capital, where he’s set to face Australian Craig Mottram, organizers announced today. Bekele, who last April collected an unprecedented fifth consecutive double victory at the World Cross Country Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, will likely face Mottram for the first time since the Australian’s shock victory over the Ethiopian at the IAAF World Cup in Athens in September. There, Mottram convincingly out-maneuvered Bekele to defend his World Cup title in the 3000 meters. More in TPR #579...
13-14-November
* Coverage from the IAAF Council Meeting
MONTE CARLO -- Below is a sampling of stories produced by the Track Profile News Service that are available on the world wide web.
14-November
Doping-IAAF says athlete failed drugs test at World Final
MONTE CARLO, MON – An athlete failed a drugs test at the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart in September, athletics' world governing body said on Tuesday. IAAF general secretary Pierre Weiss did not name the athlete who had tested positive at the two-day meeting, which had a $3 million prize pot. "It will be announced shortly," he said. More for Reuters...
14-November
TPR #577 - Edinburgh to Host 2008 World Cross Championships, Athens Super Grand Prix Downgraded
MONTE CARLO, MON – Edinburgh has been selected to host the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, the sport’s world governing body announced today at the second and final day of the IAAF Council Meeting in Monte Carlo. More in TPR #577...
13-November
TPR #576 - IAAF Suspends Algerian Federation
MONTE CARLO, MON – In a rare move, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) suspended the Algerian Athletics Federation yesterday, barring the nation’s track and field athletes from all international competitions. More for Reuters and in TPR #576...
13-November
Near perfection for Powell and Richards in 2006
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Keeping in tune with the “new generation” theme that emerged at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, both Asafa Powell and Sanya Richards confirmed that their generation is the sport’s driving force after earning the World Athlete of the Year Awards. Powell, still just 23, and Richards, who won’t celebrate her 22nd birthday until February, have each time and again illustrated their ability to perform with the poise and conviction of seasoned veterans as each captured a $250,000 piece of the Golden League Jackpot and produced virtually unblemished 2006 seasons. Not surprisingly, both were the Overall IAAF World Rankings number ones as well. More for the IAAF...
12-November
Powell, Richards named IAAF athletes of year
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Sprinters Asafa Powell of Jamaica and Sanya Richards of the United States were named as the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) athletes of the year on Sunday. More for Reuters...
12-November
Cheserek, Gavelin take commanding Monaco Marathon victories
MONTE CARLO, MON -- Kenyan Wilfried Cheserek and Lena Gavelin of Sweden produced commanding victories at the tenth edition of the Monaco Marathon today. Running under primarily sunny skies and rapidly warming temperatures and competing in his marathon debut, the 20-year-old reached the line in 2:17:20. More for the IAAF...
08-November
TPR #575 - Powell, Richards Top Shortlist for Athlete of Year Honors
Sprinters Asafa Powell of Jamaica and Sanya Richards of the U.S. top the Athlete of the Year shortlist announced today by the IAAF, the sport's international governing body. More in TPR #575...
29-October
Nshimirimana Wins Again in Ljubljana
LJULBJANA, Slovenia -- Biding his time until the 41st kilometer, Joachim Nshimirimana of Burundi produced a commanding victory at the 11th Ljubljana Marathon on Sunday, a race which also served as the World Military Marathon Championships. Despite trailing Kenyan Benjamin Kiptaurus by more than 200 metres when 40 kilometres into the race, Nshimirimana easily made up the deficit over the waning stages to reach the line in 2:14:14, 15 seconds ahead of Kiptaurus, whose 2:10:56 career best from Padova in 2004 was the fastest in the field. More for the IAAF...
27-October
TPR #574 - All Doping Tests Negative at IAAF World Road Running Championships
All doping control tests conducted at the recent IAAF World Road Running Championships were returned negative, the world governing body announced today. 94 of the 141 athletes who competed at the October 8 event in Debrecen, Hungary, were tested, either before or during the competition. The testing included 77 blood screens taken prior to the competition and 17 tests during the competition. All in-competition samples were tested for EPO. All information collected from the blood screening will be added to the IAAF database to aid in the individual profiling of athlete blood parameters. More in TPR #574...
27-October
TPR #573 - Lagat Will Not Appeal German Court Ruling
Bernard Lagat, the U.S. national record holder in the 1500 meters, said today that he will not appeal last month’s ruling by a German court that rejected the runner’s claim for lost income against the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). “After weighing up all the factors involved, I have decided not to pursue my case any further against the IAAF and WADA,” Lagat said in a press statement. More in TPR #573...
22-October
TPR #570 - Chicago Victories Vault Cheruiyot, Adere into World Marathon Majors Series Lead
Robert K. Cheruiyot’s dramatic victory in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon today not only secured him $140,000 in prize and bonus money, it also moved him into a commanding lead in the chase for the $500,000 that is awaiting the winner of the World Marathon Majors Series in 2007. The Chicago race was the fourth of the five WMM events that will take place in 2006, the next and final one of the year being the ING New York City Marathon on November 5. More in TPR #570...
20-October
TPR #568 - Cheruiyot, Tomescu-Dita the Favorites as World Marathon Majors Circuit Resumes in Chicago on Sunday
Kenyan Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, this year's Boston Marathon champion, and Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania, the runner-up last year, top the field's for Sunday's 31st LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, the fourth stop on the five-race World Marathon Majors circuit. More in TPR #568...
18-October
TPR #567 - Their Dominance Continues: Shaheen, Kluft Lead List of Current Unbeaten Streaks
One year ago, only three athletes ended 2005 boasting a win streak of 10 or more competitions. When 2007 begins, five athletes will resume competition riding streaks of 13 or more, topped by Saif Saaeed Shaheen’s 24 in the 3000m Steeplechase and Virgilijus Alekna’s 22 in the Discus Throw. More in TPR #567 and for the IAAF...
08-October
TPR #565 - 20 Km World Record for Kiplagat in Debrecen
Lornah Kiplagat set a pending world record over 20 kilometers today at the 1st IAAF World Road Running Championships in Debrecen, Hungary. The 32-year-old Dutchwoman clocked 1:03:21, five seconds faster than the previous best set by Briton Paula Radcliffe in Bristol, England, in 2001. Constantina Tomescu of Romania was second, just two seconds behind Kiplagat, to also dip under the previous record. More in TPR #565...
24-September
TPR #564 - 2:05:56 Victory for Gebrselassie in Berlin
BERLIN -- Haile Gebrselassie won the 33rd real,-BERLIN MARATHON in the German capital Sunday morning. But what looked until the closing kilometres like a successful assault on his great rival Paul Tergat’s world record of 2:04:55, set in this same race in 2003, evaporated, and the tiny Ethiopian finished one minute and one second behind the Kenyan’s time, with 2:05:56. More in TPR #564...
08-10-September
* Coverage from the Ninth IAAF World Cup in Athletics
ATHENS -- The Track Profile News Service assisted in Athens with daily coverage and event reports for the IAAF, the sport's international governing body, as well as for the world's premiere distance running news service, Race Results Weekly. Below is a sampling of stories available on the world wide web.
17-September
Mottram Finds Recipe to Defend Title and Defeat Bekele
ATHENS -- After a disappointing 17th place finish in the Van Damme Memorial 1500 last month, Craig Mottram decided that he wouldn’t be defending his World Cup title in the 3000. But after reading an Australian news report that he was considering pulling out of the race, Mottram said he became energized to train even harder, and quickly changed his mind. After his stunning upset over Kenenisa Bekele with an Area record 7:32.19, he was glad he did. More for the IAAF...
16-September
To Richards, Father Knows Best
ATHENS -- With all due respect to her mother Sharon, Sanya Richards' sensational 48.70 North American record in the 400 meters tonight at Athens Olympic stadium was clearly a case of "father knows best." "I talked to my dad today," the 21-year-old explained, "and he told me, 'You're in lane seven, nobody's in front of you, and you can execute a perfect race today. So before I got in the blocks, I just blocked everybody out and said I was going to run my best race today and break the American record. And I did that and I'm so happy." More for the IAAF...
15-September
World Cup Press Conference
ATHENS -- The IAAF Press Conference on the eve of the 10th World Cup in Athletics was held today at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens. In attendance were IAAF President Lamine Diack; Pierre Weiss, IAAF General Secretary; Georgios Orfanos, Greek Minister of Culture and Sports and LOC President; Minos Kyriakou, IAAF Council Member and President of Greek Olympic Committee; and Vassillios Sevastis, President of Greek Athletics Federation. The athletes in attendance were: Meseret Defar (ETH), Team Africa; Dayron Robles (CUB), Team Americas; Liu Xiang (CHN), Team Asia; Valerie Vili (NZL), Team Oceania; Francis Obikwelu (POR), Team Europe; Sanya Richards (USA), Team USA; Periklis Iakovakis (GRE), Team Greece; and Fani Halkia (GRE), Team Greece. More for the IAAF...
14-September
World Cup Previews
ATHENS -- Previews for the IAAF:
women...
15-September
Momentum With Periklis as Athens Approaches
ATHENS -- Two years ago it was Fani Halkia who electrified Athens Olympic Stadium with her dramatic victory in the 400m Hurdles. As the Athletics world converges on Athens once again this weekend, another Greek full lap hurdler will try to steal the show when he makes his final appearance of the year. “I think that everybody right now will try to beat me,” said Periklis Iakovakis, after his win at last weekend’s World Athletics Final. “To stop my (momentum) at the moment. We will see.” More for the IAAF and in TPR #561...
08-10-September
* Coverage from the World Athletics Final
STUTTGART - The Track Profile News Service assisted in Gothenburg with daily coverage and event reports for the IAAF, the sport's international governing body, as well as for the world's premiere distance running news service, Race Results Weekly. Below is a sampling of stories available on the world wide web.
10-September
Fredericks: "I knew Gay could do something very special today"
STUTTGART, Germany -- Simply put, Tyson Gay was stunned after his dominating 19.68 performance in the 200 metres at Stuttgart’s Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion. “This is incredible,” the 24-year-old American said, soon after equalling Namibia’s legendary Frank Fredericks as the third fastest to ever cover the distance. “Going into this race, I didn’t think I was going to run 19.6. I had no idea what I was going to run. It was just really a surprise to me.” More for the IAAF...
09-September
Kikaya Relishes African 400m Record
STUTTGART, Germany -- Although he finished a close second to World and Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner in the 400 metres today, the happiest man at Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium this afternoon was Gary Kikaya. “Wow! African record? Wow!,” said the 26-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo after his 44.10 performance eclipsed the African record of 44.17 set by Nigeria’s Innocent Egbunike 19 years ago. More for the IAAF...
08-September
World Athletics Final Press Conference
STUTTGART, Germany -- The IAAF Press Conference on the eve of the 4th World Athletics Final was held today at the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium in Stuttgart. In attendance were IAAF President Lamine Diack; IAAF General Secretary Pierre Weiss; Dr. Wolfgang Schuster, Lord Mayor of the City of Stuttgart; Frank Hensel, DLV General Secretary; and Adreas Kroll, Managing Director of in.Stuttgart. The athletes in attendance were Asafa Powell, Tyson Gay, Tia Hellebaut and Steffi Nerius. Here’s some of what the athletes had to say: More for the IAAF...
08-September
TPR #560 - Jones, Powell, Gay and Wine - World Athletics Final Notebook
STUTTGART, Germany -- It's official: Marion Jones will not be competing at this weekend's traditional season-capping World Athletics Final, but not because she can't. "If she wants to compete, she can," said Lamine Diack, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, at a press conference this afternoon. But he added: "She has said she will not come as far as we know."More in TPR #560...
05-September
Wariner and Schulze Optimistic; 41,000 Tickets Sold in Stuttgart
STUTTGART, Germany -- As the athletics world begins to descend on Stuttgart, organizers of this weekend’s fourth edition of the IAAF World Athletics Final announced today that more than 41,000 tickets have been sold for the two-day event, and they remain hopeful that they can meet their goal of 60,000.More for the IAAF...
07-September
TPR #559 - Third Time a Charm for Keflezighi in New York?
Shortly after his third place finish at the ING New York City Marathon last year, Meb Keflezighi was met at the finish line by race director Mary Wittenberg, who was astonished that he fared so well. Not because she didn’t think he was capable, but because he arrived in New York with less than two months of serious training under his belt. More in TPR #559 and for the IAAF...
07-September
TPR #557 - EAA: No Positive Doping Cases at European Championships
STUTTGART, Germany –- No positive doping cases emerged from last month’s European Athletics Championships, the European Athletic Association (EAA) announced today. A total of 364 anti-doping controls were carried out prior to and during the competition in Gothenburg, Sweden, last month. A total of 213 urine tests were conducted, including 98 for EPO. Athletes were selected for in-competition testing based on their finishing position in the final and on a random basis. More in TPR #557...
04-September
TPR #555 - Wariner Supports Life Bans for First-Time Doping Offenses
STUTTGART, Germany -- World and Olympic 400 meter champion Jeremy Wariner said he supports harsh measures to help rid the sport of doping. “Just test more, and not just the top athletes, but everybody,” the 22-year-old Texas native said today, speaking at a press conference ahead of this weekend’s World Athletics Final in Stuttgart. More in TPR #555...
04-September
TPR #554 - real,- Berlin Marathon Releases Elite Field Start List
BERLIN - Organizers of the 33rd real,- Berlin Marathon released their elite fields today. The race, part of the World Marathon Majors, is scheduled for Sunday, September 24. More in TPR #554...
03-September
The Jackpot Story - IAAF Golden League
Berlin, Germany - With the six-meeting IAAF Golden League 2006 series reaching its dramatic conclusion in Berlin’s historic Olympic stadium at the DKB-ISTAF Berlin this afternoon, here’s how the $1 Million Golden League Jackpot will be distributed: More for the IAAF...
03-September
TPR #553 - Six Share Jackpot as Golden League Concludes in Berlin
BERLIN -– Asafa Powell, Jeremy Wariner and Sanya Richards ended their Golden League campaigns without a loss to each claim the largest shares of the IAAF Golden League Jackpot as the six-meeting series concluded today at the ISTAF Meeting before a crowd of 48,112 at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. More in TPR #553...
02-September
TPR #552 - Johnson: "I'm in the middle of my season." Concludes on Sunday
BERLIN -- Allen Johnson's was a name conspicuously absent from the first half of the European circuit, prompting some to believe that the 36-year-old four-time World champion was hanging up his spikes for the season after hurting his calf at the semi-finals of the U.S. championships in late June. Nothing though, could be further from the truth. More in TPR #552 and for the IAAF...
01-September
TPR #550 - Wariner Cool, Calm as Jackpot Chase Concludes on Sunday
BERLIN -– When Olympic and world 400 meter champion Jeremy Wariner lines up for the full-lap race on Sunday at the ISTAF Golden League fixture here in the German capital, he’ll be one of just four athletes who still have a chance to split a $1 million prize pot, the sport’s largest. More in TPR #550...
31-August
TPR #549 - Vlasic defends home turf, Lysenko hammers 76.54 - Zagreb Report
Zagreb, Croatia - The dreamy image seen on billboards advertising the 56th Hanzekovic Memorial throughout the Croatian capital featured an unidentified women’s high jumper, and it was a high jumper that a capacity crowd of vociferous fans packed the Sportspark Mladost to see. And the country’s biggest star, Blanka Vlasic, delivered. More for the IAAF...
30-August
TPR #548 - Strong Hurdles Fields, and, of Course, Vlasic - Zagreb Preview
Zagreb, Croatia - Strong fields in the hurdles and a compelling battle in the women's High Jump are but a few of the attractions as the IAAF World Athletics Tour visits the Croatian capital for the 56th edition of the Hanzekovic Memorial on Thursday. More for the IAAF...
26-August
TPR #547 - World Record in the 4x800, Six Still Alive in Jackpot Chase - Brussels Golden League Report
BRUSSELS –- A Kenyan quartet produced a world record in the 4x800 relay while six athletes remained alive in the $1 million IAAF Golden League Jackpot chase at the Ivo Van Damme Memorial in the Belgian capital on Friday evening, held in front of a capacity crowd of 47,000 that celebrated the meet’s 30th anniversary.. More in TPR #547...
25-August
TPR #546 - Gay Stakes His Ground in Brussels
BRUSSELS –- After his 19.70 clocking behind Xavier Carter last month in Lausanne, Tyson Gay firmly staked his ground among the all-time half-lap elite. A month later, after sizzling back-to-back performances in Zurich and Brussels, the 24-year-old is arguably the finest all-round sprinter currently burning up the tracks of Europe. Tonight in Brussels, he underscored his 200 metres expertise with a slick and smooth 19.79 performance, avenging for the second time in as many races his Lausanne loss to Carter. More in TPR #546 and for the IAAF...
25-August
TPR #545 - Memorial van Damme Preview and Notebook
BRUSSELS -- News, notes and a preview for this evening's Memorial van Damme Golden League meeting in the Belgian capital.
Notebook:
-- The meet sold out this year on the morning of the women's 100 meter final at the European Championships, prior to Kim Gevaert's first of two dash titles in Gothenburg, and before Tia Hellebaut's surprise win in the high jump. "We could have easily sold 10,000 more tickets," said meet director Wifred Meert. The increased interest caused other problems as well. "Half the Belgian government wants to come now and we don't know how to seat people," Meert said, explaining that there simply aren't enough VIP seats available... More in TPR #545...
24-August
TPR #544 – Shaheen looking for necessary assistance in Brussels
Brussels -- Like many athletes, Saif Saaeed Shaheen’s goal at tomorrow evening’s Memorial Van Damme is a new personal best. The problem for the engaging 23-year-old Kenyan-born Qatari is that his best, the 7:53.63 steeplechase World record he set on this track two years ago, is one he’s virtually put out of reach, and finding the requisite assistance is proving increasingly difficult. More for the IAAF and in TPR #544...
22-August
Vlasic set to defend home turf in Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia - A rematch of the women's High Jump from the European Championships will be among the key attractions as Croatia's Blanka Vlasic defends her home turf against the cream of the event's elite when the IAAF World Athletics Tour returns to Zagreb, Croatia, next Thursday, 31 August. More for the IAAF...
22-August
TPR #542 – Gatlin Accepts Offense, Handed Suspension of up to Eight Years
Olympic 100 meter champion Justin Gatlin accepted that his April positive test for testosterone was a doping offense, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today. According to a USADA statement released this afternoon, Gatlin has agreed to cooperate with the agency, and in return, USADA has agreed to suspend the sprinter for a maximum of eight years, instead of the lifetime ban he faced. More in TPR #542...
22-August
TPR #541 – Many Athletes Express Shock Over Gatlin's Positive Test
Monte Carlo -- While Olympic 100 meter champion Justin Gatlin faces a possible lifetime ban after testing positive for banned substances, many of the sport's top athletes said they were shocked when the 23-year-old American acknowledged late last month that he had failed a drug test. "It was hard to believe, I couldn't believe it," said Shawn Crawford, the 2004 Olympic 200 meter champion and a training partner of Gatlin's. "He's like Mr. Track & Field. You don't really expect stuff like that. Especially him being my training partner. I wasn't expecting anything like that." More in TPR #541...
20-August
Silnov improves to 2.37 - Herculis Report
Monte Carlo - A pair of marvelous jumps competitions, with a world-leading 2.37 leap by Andrey Silnov in the High Jump, and surprise win by Fabiana Murer in the Pole Vault captured the spotlight at the ‘Herculis 2006’ - IAAF Super Grand Prix - as the World Athletics Tour returned to the sunny Riviera. More for the IAAF...
20-August
TPR #540 – Powell: 'I knew it was something special'
Zurich -- After his 9.77 dash in Zurich’s Weltklasse Friday evening, the second time this year that he’s equalled the 100 metre World record * he first set last year, Asafa Powell was left wondering what he needs to do in order to reach the finish line a split second earlier. Smiling first before breaking into laughter, the Jamaican said, "I guess I have to dip when I get to the finish line." More for the IAAF and in TPR #540...
19-August
Silnov's return, Russian 1500 showdown on tap in Monaco - Herculis preview
Monte-Carlo - Rematches from two of the most compelling competitions from last week's European Championships - the men's High Jump and the women's 1500 - should provide but a few of the highlights at Sunday's (20) ‘Herculis 2006' - IAAF Super Grand Prix - in Monaco's Stade Louis II. More for the IAAF...
18-August
Yet again, Powell equals 9.77 World Record - Zurich Golden League Report
Zurich -- Asafa Powell lived up to the promise he made yesterday, that he wanted to do “something special” to help remember the final evening that Zurich’s Weltklasse IAAF Golden League meeting would be held in Letzigrund Stadium. And he delivered on that pledge, equalling yet again the 9.77 World record in the 100 metres. More for the IAAF...
17-August
Jackpot chase resumes - Zurich Weltklasse preview
Zurich -- After a break that involved continental championships for some and a brief respite for others, the athletics world once again converges on Zurich as the six-meeting IAAF Golden League Series continues on Friday (18) with the 77th edition of the Weltklasse. For a select few, the resumption of the $1 million Golden League Jackpot chase will figure prominently, but for all the athletes gathered, win or lose, the evening will carry special meaning as they will collectively bid farewell to Zurich’s old Letzigrund Stadium, one of the world’s most fabled venues, which will be replaced by a newer version in time for next year’s meeting. More for the IAAF...
17-August
Confident, relaxed, Golden League Jackpot contenders eager to resume the chase - Zurich Press Conference Highlights
Zurich -- With the chase for the IAAF Golden League Jackpot resuming in Zurich tomorrow evening, several of the key players still in the hunt for a slice of the $1 million pie met with the media this afternoon. Confident and relaxed, here’s some of the things they had to say. More for the IAAF...
16-August
Wariner - Three down, three to go as GL Jackpot race continues in Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland - Of the four athletes who remain alive for a share of the $1 million IAAF Golden League Jackpot, conventional wisdom would place World and Olympic 400 metre champion Jeremy Wariner at the top of the list of those most likely to succeed. More for the IAAF...
16-August
TPR #538 - De la Ossa to Make Marathon Debut at Berlin
Juan Carlos de la Ossa of Spain will make his marathon debut at the real,- Berlin Marathon on September 24, organizers announced today.More in TPR #538...
16-August
TPR #537 – For Baldini, a Step-by-step Approach to Beijing
When he crossed the finish line in Gothenburg last Sunday to capture his second European title in the Marathon, Stefano Baldini made a strong arguement that he just may be one of the finest Europeans to have ever raced over the distance. Displaying the patience that only a master of the event can exhibit, the 35-year-old Italian’s 2:11:32 victory appeared seemingly effortless, underscoring his phenomenal ability to run and win in major championship races. More in TPR #537 and for the IAAF...
15-August
TPR #536 – 77.80 World Record for Lysenko in Tallinn
Tatyana Lysenko of Russia broke her own world record in the hammer throw, throwing 77.80 at the Tallinn 2006 EAA meeting today. More in TPR #536...
14-August
TPR #535 – New York Confirms Baldini Invitation
Confirming reports appearing in Italian media today, Olympic marathon champion Stefano Baldini has been invited to compete in the ING New York City Marathon in November, organizers of the race said today. More in TPR #535...
11-August
Ndereba Returning to New York Marathon
Former World Marathon champion and reigning Olympic Marathon silver medalist, Catherine Ndereba, will line-up for the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 5, race organizers announced yesterday. More for the IAAF...
10-August
TPR #534 – Graham Under Investigation by IAAF
GOTHENBURG, Sweden –- Trevor Graham, coach of Olympic 100 meter champion Justin Gatlin, is being investigated by the International Association of Athletics Federations, the sport's international governing body. More in TPR #534...
04-13-August
* Coverage From the 19th European Championships
GOTHENBURG - The Track Profile News Service assisted in Gothenburg with daily coverage for the IAAF, the sport's international governing body, as well as for the world's premiere distance running news service, Race Results Weekly. Below is a sampling of stories available on the world wide web.
13-August
Tomashova leads Russian victory parade - European Champs Day Seven
Gothenburg, Sweden - Topped by a 1-2 finish in a fabulous and fast 1500, Russian women underscored their continental dominance as the 19th European Athletics Championships concluded on Sunday. More...
12-August
Olsson delivers at home – European Champs Day Six
Gothenburg, Sweden - Despite chilly, wet and windy conditions that were reminiscent of last year’s World Championships in Helsinki, Swedish star Christian Olsson delivered one of the finest performances of the week to highlight day six of the 19th European Athletics Championships. More...
12-August
For Hellebaut, surprise, joy and empathy after High Jump victory
Gothenburg, Sweden - There were no shortage of emotions flowing through newly-minted European High Jump champion Tia Hellebaut just after her stunning upset victory before a packed house in Ullevi Stadium last night. One, surprisingly enough, was empathy for a fellow competitor she’s looked up to for years. More...
11-August
Hellebaut steals the show - European Champs Day 5
Gothenburg, Sweden - It was said that the hottest ticket in Gothenburg was for Day Five of the European Championships. With a pair of solid gold medal prospects, it promised to be among Sweden’s brightest evenings. But in less than four minutes that night of would-be Swedish celebration turned into perhaps the finest-ever moment for Belgian Athletics. More...
11-August
Obikwelu: 'I'm running just to run.'
Gothenburg, Sweden - After witnessing the confident force with which he claimed an overwhelming victory in the 200 metres last night, it’s easy to understand Francis Obikwelu’s post-race assessment. “I didn’t have a single doubt that I was going to be today’s winner,” he said after his 20.01 dash, a performance well ahead of Swede Johann Wismann’s 20.38 national record for one of the largest victory margins ever at the European Championships. “It was a good time for me. But more than anything I just wanted to win.” More...
10-August
Obikwelu captures sprint double - European Champs Day 4
Gothenburg, Sweden - With a dominating performance in the 200 metres, Francis Obikwelu completed his double dash win to highlight a wet and chilly day four of the European Athletics Championships. More...
10-August
Zelezny 'officially' passes the torch
Gothenburg, Sweden - No, it wasn’t exactly the way javelin legend Jan Zelezny wanted to take his final bow at a major competition, but at 40 years of age, the World record holder was certainly content that he wouldn’t be leaving Gothenburg empty-handed. More...
09-August
Dramatic jumps steal centre stage - Euro Champs Day 3
Gothenburg, Sweden - With a world-leading 2.36 leap by Andrey Silnov and a dramatic come-from-behind Triple Jump victory by Tatyana Lebedeva, it was the jumps competitions that took centre stage on day three of the European Athletics Championships. More...
09-August
Pushing aside doubts, Fitschen claims first German 10,000m title in 32 years
Gothenburg, Sweden - Jan Fitschen knows that most races, particularly those of the 25-lap variety, don’t usually go according to plan. Fortunately for the 28-year-old German, his pre-race plans did pan out in his first major championship, resulting in one of the biggest surprises yet to emerge from the European Championships. More...
08-August
Obikwelu, Kluft and Fitschen provide the fireworks - European Champs Day 2
Gothenburg, Sweden - Dramatic closing surges in the shortest and longest men’s track races and an emotional victory by one of the country’s biggest stars capped an evening of thoroughly enjoyable athletics on day two of the European Athletics Championships. More...
08-August
Gothenburg receives IAAF World Athletics City Award
Gothenburg, Sweden - The city of Gothenburg, this week hosting the 19th European Athletics Championships, was awarded the IAAF World Athletics City Award at a ceremony on Monday (7 Aug) afternoon. More...
07-August
Thrilling women’s 10,000, last round fireworks in the men's Shot Put - European Championships Day 1
Gothenburg, Sweden - A dramatic finish in the women’s 10,000 metres and a come-from-behind victory in the men’s Shot Put capped a thoroughly enjoyable evening on the opening day of the 19th European Athletics Championships. More...
06-August
Cautious optimism the prevailing mood on eve of European Championships
Gothenburg, Sweden - Cautious optimism was the prevailing mood among several athletes expected to play key roles at the 19th European Athletics Championships that begin tomorrow in this western Swedish coastal city. More...
05-August
Kluft: 'I'm not chasing records.'
Gothenburg, Sweden - Sweden’s Carolina Kluft, the Olympic and two-time World champion in the Heptathlon, met with the media this afternoon on the eve of her European title defense. More...
04-August
European Championships Previews Women, and Men.
05-August
Kluft: 'I'm not chasing records.'
Gothenburg, Sweden - Sweden’s Carolina Kluft, the Olympic and two-time World champion in the Heptathlon, met with the media this afternoon on the eve of her European title defense. More...
Sidelined from international match, Clay ends 2006 season
Sunday 6 August 2006
After a recent streak of illness and injury, world Decathlon champion Bryan Clay has decided to forgo the rest of the 2006 season.
http://www.iaaf.org/WCE06/news/Kind=2/newsId=35555.html
31-July
TPR #528 – Gay: 'Right now, I think I'm the No. 1 200m runner.'
By any measure, July has been good to Tyson Gay. After equalling his 10.04 personal best in the short dash in Rome, he followed up with his 19.70 shocker behind Xavier Carter in Lausanne, nailed his first legal sub-10 in Rethimno, Greece, and gained revenge on the heavily-hyped X-Man in London on Friday. More in TPR #528...
30-July
TPR #526 – Gatlin Acknowledges Failed Drug Test
A record 1370 athletes from 48 countries have been entered entered for the European Athletics Championships that will begin in Gothenburg, Sweden, on August 7. With teams from the newest member federations, Montenegro and Serbia, also set to compete, the total number of countries is also a record, one more than the number that participated in Munich four years ago. Only Armenia and Liechtenstein will not be represented. More in TPR #526...
29-July
TPR #525 – Gatlin Acknowledges Failed Drug Test
Justin Gatlin, the world and Olympic 100 meter champion and co-world record holder in the event, acknowledged today that he failed a test drug test after a competition in April. "I have been informed by the United States Anti-doping Agency that after a relay race I ran in Kansas City on April 22, I tested positive for 'testosterone or its precursors'," Gatlin said in a statement reported by the Reuters News Service. "I cannot account for these results, because I have never knowingly used any banned substance or authorized anyone else to administer such a substance to me.". More in TPR #525...
28-July
TPR #524 – Despite Win Over Bekele, Lagat Still a Miler
LONDON – While Bernard Lagat may not entirely agree, his stunning victory over world record holder Kenenisa Bekele at the Norwich Union London Grand Prix signaled that there is a new kid on the block in the men’s 5000. More in TPR #524...
27-July
TPR #523 – Third Time a Charm for Mottram in London?
LONDON -- LONDON – Two years ago at London’s Crystal Palace, Craig Mottram came tantalizingly close to stunning the track world when he nearly defeated Haile Gebrselassie in the 5000 meters. As Mottram kicked past the Ethiopian just beyond the bell, a collective gasp enveloped the famed and sold-out south London venue, until Gebrselassie came back to reel in the Australian upstart over the final 80 meters. Mottram nonetheless crossed the line with his arms raised high after his 12:55.76 performance, a national record and his first sub-13-minute race. More in TPR #523...
27-July
TPR #522 – Gatlin v. Powell Match Looking Less Likely, Says Powell's Manager
LONDON -- With world and Olympic champion Justin Gatlin still sidelined with a tendon injury, his much-anticipated showdown with Asafa Powell is looking less likely this season, according to Powell’s manager Paul Doyle. More in TPR #522...
20-July
TPR #521 – With 11.45, Ottey Qualifies for European Championships
With her third place finish in the Maribor leg of the nine-meeting Slovenian Grand Prix, 46-year-old Merlene Ottey qualified for the European Championships in the 100 meters yesterday. More in TPR #521...
19-July
TPR #519 – 19.70 No Limit for Gay
A few days after he became the fourth fastest man ever in the 200 meters, Tyson Gay insisted that his 19.70 performance at Lausanne's Athletissima Super Grand Prix last week is hardly his limit. "Absolutely not," said the 23-year-old, who knocked more than two-tenths of a second from his previous best of 19.93 last Tuesday in what was the deepest men's 200 meter race in history. More in TPR #519...
18-July
TPR #518 – Lincoln on U.S. Steeplechase Record: 'That's a number I've been chasing a long time.'
ROME – Some ten minutes after the conclusion of Friday's 3000 meter steeplechase at Rome's Golden Gala, Dan Lincoln was deep beneath the Stadio Olimpico, slowly making his way from the track to collect his things. He appeared content with his fifth place finish, by far his best in a Golden League contest, but apparently word had not yet reached him that he had just taken down a U.S. record that had stood for nearly 21 years. More in TPR #518...
14-July
Simpson - a different season in Europe this time?
ROME - At last year’s Borotalco Golden Gala - IAAF Golden League, Sherone Simpson was a largely unknown Jamaican still trying to find her way among the world’s premiere athletics stages. Her performance was a modest 11.34 clocking, for eighth place in the early evening 'B' race. This year she returned as the year’s fastest sprinter, and didn’t disappoint with a stubbornly won 10.87 performance against a top notch field. It was the first Golden League victory for the young Jamaican, still a month shy of her 22nd birthday, and she was bouncing with joy. More for the IAAF...
14-July
Wariner and Powell dominate in Rome
ROME - World and Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner became the fourth fastest 400 metres runner in history with a time of 43.62 seconds at the Golden League meeting in Rome on Friday. More for the Reuters News Service...
14-July
TPR #517 – Tergat, Prokopcuka to Defend NYC Marathon Titles
ROME – Paul Tergat, the world record holder in the marathon, and Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia, will defend their titles at the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 5, organizers announced today at a press conference in Rome. More in TPR #518 and for the Reuters News Service...
13-July
TPR #516 – X-Man, Richards, Powell/Gatlin, Jones and More – Rome Notebook
ROME – No, it hasn’t quite reached the level of, "Justin and Asafa who?", but there’s a remarkable buzz in the Italian capital about tomorrow night’s 400m face-off between world and Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner and 20-year-old Xavier Carter at the Borotalco Golden Gala Golden League meeting. More in TPR #516...
20-June
TPR #515 - Carter on Match-up with Wariner: 'Tell everyone to keep their eyes open for it.'
ROME - After a dominating 43.91 performance at last weekend’s Meeting Gaz de France in Paris, World 400m champion Jeremy Wariner appeared untouchable on his road to a slice of the $1 million IAAF Golden League Jackpot. But after Xavier Carter stunned the athletics world with his 19.63 victory in the Lausanne 200 two days ago, Wariner might actually have an unanticipated challenge when the pair line up for the 400m Friday night at the Borotalco Golden Gala - IAAF Golden League in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. And both are looking forward to their match-up.. More in TPR #515 and for the IAAF...
11-July
TPR #514 - 12.88 World Record for Xiang in Lausanne
Olympic champion Xiang Liu of China set a new world record of 12.88 in the 110 meter hurdles tonight at the Athletissima Super Grand Prix in Lausanne, Switzerland. More in TPR #514...
11-July
TPR #513 - Ceplak Struck by Javelin at Greek Meet
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia - Jolanda Ceplak, the Olympic 800m bronze medallist, narrowly escaped serious injury when she was struck by a javelin while warming up prior to a race in Patras, Greece, yesterday. The 29-year-old Slovenian, who holds the world indoor record at 800m, received just minor injuries when the spear struck her elbow, but was very shaken from the incident. More in TPR #513...
11-July
TPR #512 - Shaheen Joins Rome 5000m Field
Saif Saaeed Shaheen, the world record holder in the 3000m steeplechase, has been added to the strong 5000m field assembled for the Golden Gala Golden League meeting in Rome on Friday. More in TPR #512 and for the IAAF...
08-July
Wariner on his 43.91 PB: 'It felt easy.'
PARIS - Jeremy Wariner didn’t mince words after his dominating 43.91 victory in the 400 metres at the Stade de France. “It felt easy,” he said of his second career dash into sub-44 second territory to solidify his No. 7 position on the all-time World list. Barely winded just minutes after crossing the line, the 21-year-old Texan offered an astute breakdown of his race, one that had most observers describing as jaw-dropping. More for the IAAF...
08-July
Powell and Jones win Golden League sprints
PARIS - Joint world record holder Asafa Powell displayed his dominance in the men's 100 meters and Marion Jones successfully continued her comeback with victory in the women's event at a Golden League meeting on Saturday. After delaying proceedings by false starting, Jamaican Powell built a clear lead 30 meters into the race and won in 9.85 seconds, smashing the meeting record of 9.96 seconds shared by former world record holders Leroy Burrell and Maurice Greene, and Namibia's Frank Fredericks. More for the Reuters News Service...
08-July
TPR #511 - Meeting Gaz de France Notebook
PARIS – Scattered news and notes prior to this evening’s Meeting Gaz de France here in Paris... More in TPR #511...
08-July
TPR #510 - Jones: 'The hunger has intensified.'
PARIS – After a pair of off seasons that have kept her name in the headlines for less-than-dubious reasons, Marion Jones seems well on her way to finally beat back the detractors that have all but written her off. In her four wins in as many outings this season, including another U.S. title, the track world this year has seen a glimpse of the Jones who dominated the women's sprint world for much of the past decade. And she promises that there's more to come when she resumes her international season here tonight at the Stade de France. More in TPR #510...
07-July
TPR #509 - In '06, Bekele’s Focus is Speed
PARIS – When Isaac Songok unleashed a devastating kick to handily defeat double World record holder Kenenisa Bekele at Golden League opener in Oslo last month, the track world was stunned that Bekele, known for a demoralizing kick of his own, simply couldn’t respond. Bekele though wasn’t particularly surprised. "He’s a strong athlete and he’s famous," Bekele said of his Kenyan rival who produced a 12:55.79 win. "I knew he would be strong." There will be no Songok in the Paris race to challenge, as the young Kenyan has always set his sights on the 1500m here at tomorrow's Meeting Gaz de France Paris Saint-Denis, but Bekele nonetheless says he's ready to defend his Paris win. More in TPR #509 and for the IAAF...
02-July
TPR #508 - 2.03 Leap For Vlasic, Equals World Lead
Blanka Vlasic of Croatia leaped 2.03 [6-8] at the 20th High Jump Meeting in Somosko, Hungary, today, to equal the highest leap in the world this season. Her winning effort equalled Bulgarian Venelina Veneva's mark from late May as a world leader, and also broke the meet record of 2.01 [6-7] set 10 years ago by world record holder Stefka Kostadinova. More in TPR #508...
02-July
TPR #507 - Mild Leg Strain Sidelines Gatlin From Athens
Justin Gatlin, the World and Olympic champion in the 100 meters and the event’s co-world record holder at 9.77 seconds, will miss tomorrow’s Tsiklitiria – OPAP IAAF Super Grand in Athens with a mild leg injury, organizers announced today. Gatlin, who was scheduled to make his first appearance since winning the U.S. title last weekend, was to face Olympic silver medallist Francis Obikwelu and Nigeria’s Olu Fasuba, the recently-minted African record holder in the event, on the same Olympic Stadium track where he claimed the Olympic title in 2004. More in TPR #507...
02-July
TPR #506 - Jackson-Clement: Track's 'Other' Rivalry?
While the eagerly anticipated showdowns between Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell in the 100 meters has set the athletics world on fire this season, there is another fledgling rivalry in the sport’s background that is also on the verge of rewriting the history of another event: one between American 400 meter hurdles aces Bershawn Jackson and Kerron Clement. More in TPR #506...
30-June
TPR #505 - Bekele Joins Crystal Palace Field
Joining what organizers are describing as the strongest 5000 meter line-up of the year, Kenenisa Bekele will headline the event at the Norwich Union London Grand Prix on Friday, July 28. Bekele, who set the world record of 12:37.35 over the distance in 2004, is set to face Kenyan Augustine Choge and Craig Mottram of Australia, the gold and silver medallists at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year. 2003 world champion Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya and American Bernard Lagat, the 1500 and 5000 winner at the U.S. championships, will also toe the line. More in TPR #505...
27-June
TPR #504 - More Chambers Performances Annulled
As expected, more performances by British sprinter Dwain Chambers have been annulled in the wake of his admission last winter that he had been using banned drugs prior to his failed test in August of 2003, the IAAF, track's international governing body, announced on Monday. More in TPR #504...
26-June
TPR #503 - Kenteris, Thanou, Accept Anti-Doping Rule Violations
Appearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Greek sprinters Konstantinos Kenteris and Ekaterina Thanou today accepted that they had breached anti-doping rules when the pair missed tests prior to and during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, the sport’s world governing body announced today. More in TPR #503...
25-June
TPR #502 - 10.82 Thrusts Simpson to the Verge of World Top-10
With her commanding 10.82 victory at the Jamaican national championships on Saturday, Sherone Simpson found herself, statistically anyway, in some fast company. Simpson, still only 21, joined Marlies Gohr, Gail Devers, Gwen Torrence and Zhanna Block as the 12th fastest woman ever in the 100 meters. More in TPR #502...
23-June
Ceplak's Comeback, Golubchikova's 4.60 the Highlights in Velenje
Velenje, SLOVENIA – Jolanda Ceplak’s return to the track after a near year-long absence and a surprise 4.60 leap in the Pole Vault by Russian Yuliya Golubchikova were the highlights of the 11th MinersFest EAA meeting in the athletics-crazed northern city of Velenje More for the IAAF...
20-June
TPR #500 - For Now, Carter Chooses the Track Over the Gridiron
Xavier Carter, the 20-year-old sprinter who less than two weeks ago produced the finest showing at an NCAA Championships since the days of the legendary Jesse Owens, announced today that he’ll be pursuing the sport professionally, forfeiting his final two years at Louisiana State University as well as a possible career in American football. More in TPR #500 and for the IAAF...
20-June
TPR #499 - Kastor Announces Return to New York Marathon
Deena Kastor, the American marathon record holder in the marathon and the reigning Olympic bronze medallist in the event, will contest the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 5, the runner announced. “The New York and Chicago Marathons are two of the world’s greatest marathons, said Kastor, 33. “It was a very difficult decision for me to choose which marathon to run this coming fall. My decision to run the ING New York City Marathon got down to the basic fact that I have already won the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and I want to win in New York!” More in TPR #499...
15-June
TPR #496 - Fasuba: In Search of the Sub-10 'Feeling'
It took Olusoji Fasuba exactly 9.85 seconds to permanently etch himself into track & field’s history books. But in the month since he found himself tied with former world record holder Leroy Burrell as the sixth fastest man ever, the 21-year-old Nigerian has also learned that his act in a Qatari desert will be a tough one to follow. Just over a month ago, Fasuba finished second when Justin Gatlin equalled the 100 meter world record of 9.77 seconds at the Super Grand Prix in Doha, Qatar. Fasuba suddenly joined some fast company: all but one of the five men who have covered the distance faster than his 9.85 did so while setting or equalling the world record in the sport’s marqee event. On that warm desert evening, Fasuba replaced the legendary Frank Fredericks as African record holder, a continental standard that had stood for nearly a decade. And six weeks shy of his 22nd birthday, Fasuba became the youngest to ever run 9.85 or faster. “I went to Doha just trying to be in the first three,” Fasuba said. “I wasn’t going there thinking I was going to run sub-10. I didn’t really put my mind on that. So maybe that’s why it came.” More in TPR #496...
09-June
TPR #494 - Clarification: London Not Necessarily First Gatlin-Powell Match-up of the Year
While it was announced earlier this week that joint 100 meter world record holders Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell will square off at the Norwich Union London Grand Prix on July 28, their date at the Crystal Palace venue will not necessarily be their first of the season. "We are in many discussions with various promoters, companies and European meet organizers, all still very interested in hosting the first match," said Renaldo Nehemiah of Octagon, the management firm that represents Gatlin, in an email to TPR. "And all of those discussions are about staging the race, ASAP." More in TPR #494...
09-June
TPR #492 - For Ageless Ottey, European Championships Still a Possibility
Ljubljana, SLOVENIA -- After her first race in nearly two years, Merlene Ottey of Slovenia is leaving open the possibility that she may compete at the August’s European Championships. Running against a 3.5 m/s headwind, Ottey, who celebrated her 46th birthday last month, won the 100 meters in 11.94 at the Rivas International Athletics Meeting near Madrid. It was the celebrated sprinter’s first race since the Olympic 200 meter semi-finals on August 24, 2004, where she suffered a hamstring injury. More in TPR #492...
07-June
TPR #491 - For Jackson, 'Mission Impossible' Par for the Course
After a four-leg flight and a pair of three-hour layovers that took 22 hours, one could forgive Bershawn Jackson for losing track of time after his race at the Golden Spike Grand Prix in Ostrava, Czech Republic last week. “I just competed yesterday at the Prefontaine in Eugene, so I just wanted to get the best performance I could,” the 400m hurdles world champion said on Tuesday night after his 48.76 win in the eastern Czech city’s evening chill. The Prefontaine Classic was of course the previous Sunday afternoon, but the only time that ultimately mattered was his 21/100s of a second victory margin over Commonwealth champion Louis Van Zyl. More in TPR #491...
05-June
TPR #490 - Powell on Oslo Dash: 'Next time I'll run my normal race'
While Asafa Powell raced to a seemingly comfortable victory in the 100 meters at the Bislett Games on Friday, it wasn’t the overwhelming victory that he, or many others had anticipated. “Normally I would win my races by five meters or so, but tonight it really wasn’t anything spectacular,” Powell said after his 9.98 victory. “Next time I’ll run my normal race.” Powell, whose 9.77 world record was equaled in Doha, Qatar last month by world and Olympic champion Justin Gatlin, admitted he made some mistakes in the second half of the race when American Shawn Crawford, Gatlin’s training partner, crept up on him in the adjacent lane. More in TPR #490...
02-June
Golden League Kicks off in Oslo -- Coverage from the Bislett Games
Oslo, Norway – Despite the late-spring chill, a slew of world-leaders, a pair of sub-10s by Asafa Powell, and a hefty defeat by Kenenisa Bekele highlighted the first stop of the IAAF Golden League. Some coverage provided by The TRACK REPORT:
a follow-up on Sanya Richards for the IAAF, who began her quest for the GL Jackpot with an overwhelming victory in the 400...
01-June
Golden League to Kick off in Oslo -- Bislett Games Preview
Oslo, Norway – With the year’s largest collection of international stars now converging on the Norwegian capital, the season is set to officially get underway at Oslo’s ExxonMobil Bislett Games on Friday (2-June), and with it, the chase for the $1 million IAAF Golden League Jackpot. More for the IAAF and Reuters...
31-May
Drama, nostalgia on rainy night in Ostrava - Golden Spike report
Ostrava, Czech Republic – Despite chilly conditions and a slow steady rain that dampened much of the competition, the 45th Golden Spike, the only IAAF World Athletics Tour meeting in Eastern Europe, provided an entertaining competitive mix that involved drama, nostalgia, a trio of new world leaders, and even a few comic moments in the eastern Czech city on Monday (30) evening. More for the IAAF...
29-May
Murofushi, Moreno nab wins with final round efforts - Ostrava Hammer Throw
Perhaps fitting for the finest fields assembled in the event this year, the Hammer Throw competitions at the 45th Golden Spike meeting here weren’t decided until the final rounds. More for the IAAF...
29-May
Zelezny's Home Farewell, Dozens of World and Olympic Champions on Tap in Ostrava - Golden Spike Preview
Ostrava, Czech Republic – With more than 30 Olympic and 30 World championships medalists expected, the European season will begin to reach full throttle at Tuesday’s (30) 45th Golden Spike in Ostrava, Czech Republic, this year's only eastern European stop on the IAAF World Athletics Tour. More for the IAAF...
26-May
TPR #487 - Illness Grounds Felix's Early Season European Schedule
Allyson Felix, the reigning world champion in the 200 meters, was forced to withdraw from three key upcoming meets due to illness. "She has not withdrawn due to any injury," said the 20-year-old sprinter's manager Renaldo Nehemiah in an email to TPR. "She has a severe case of strep throat. She has lost weight and hadn't eaten in several days." More in TPR #487...
19-26-May
IAAF Golden League Series Previews
The six-meet IAAF Golden League, in which athletes will begin their quest for a slice of the $1 million jackpot, begins in Oslo on Friday, June 2. Below are some preview produced by TPR for the IAAF, track & field's international governing body:
22-May
[Sample Issue] - TPR #485 - El Guerrouj, King of the 1500 and Mile, Retires
Hicham El Guerrouj, the world record holder in the 1500m and the mile, announced his retirement from the sport at a press conference in Casablanca, Morocco, today. More in TPR #485...
22-May
TPR #484 - Solid Fields Taking Shape for Gateshead
A slew of recent World, Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists have been confirmed for the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Gateshead, set for June 11, organizers announced today. The field in the eagerly anticipated men's 100 match between co-world record holders Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin, the world and Olympic 100 meter champion, is beginning to take shape. Jamaicans Michael Frater and Ainsley Waugh, part of the victorius 4x100 relay at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, have joined the field. More in TPR #484...
19-May
TPR #483 - Bergqvist Looking Towards World Record in 2006
Swede Kajsa Bergqvist, the reigning world champion in the high jump, will be gunning for the world record when she competes at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Gateshead on June 11. After raising the global standard indoors to 2.08 earlier this year, the popular Swede now believes that the 19-year-old mark, Bulgarian Stefka Kostdadinova's 2.09m [6-10 1/4] set in 1987, is now within her reach. More in TPR #483...
17-May
TPR #481 - Gatlin's Time Adjusted to 9.77, to Equal World Record
It was fast, but apparently not fast enough. After a reread of the results from last Friday's 100 meter race at the Super Grand Prix meet in Doha, Qatar, Justin Gatlin's status was downgraded from world record holder to that of co-world record holder. More in TPR #481...
14-May
Inaugural SLOVENIAN GRAND PRIX - Vodovnik Shines at Home, Kozmus Returns in Slovenska Bistrica
SLOVENSKA BISTRICA, SLO -- Despite rainy and chilly conditions, shot putter Miran Vodovnik put on a solid display on his home track while hammer throw standout Primož Kozmus made his eagerly-anticipated return to competition to highlight the second leg of the inaugural Slovenian Grand Prix. Urged on by an enthusiastic crowd, Vodovnik, a 2004 Olympian, put together a solid series in his specialty, topping out with a fourth round 19.83m effort, his best of the outdoor season. More for the AZS, Slovenia's Athletics Federation...
12-May
TPR #480 - Gatlin on World Record Run: 'I don’t think this was the best race I’ve ever had'
Since striking Olympic gold in the 100 meters at the 2004 Olympic Games, Justin Gatlin has carried the moniker that typically comes with the Olympic title: World’s fastest man. After his 9.76 dash in Doha, Qatar, this evening, with which he eclipsed the previous world record set last year by Jamaican Asafa Powell by 1/100 of a second, the 24-year-old made that title official. More in TPR #480...
12-May
TPR #479 - 9.76 World Record by Gatlin
Justin Gatlin set a world record in the 100 meters this evening, running 9.76 at the Doha Super Grand Prix in Qatar. The 24-year-old American, the reigning world and Olympic champion in the event, broke the previous record of 9.77 set last year by Jamaican Asafa Powell. It was also Gatlin's first sub-9.80 performance. His previous personal best of 9.85 was set in the Olympic final in Athens in 2004, and equalled tonight in the first of two heats. More in TPR #479...
10-May
TPR #478 - With Elusive Title in Hand, Bungei Eyeing More Fast Times
When Wilfred Bungei, perennially among the fastest 800 meter runners in the world, resumes competition this weekend in Doha, Qatar, he'll do so in somewhat unfamiliar territory: he will start with a world title under his belt. The past three seasons, the 25-year-old Kenyan has been the world's fastest in the two-lap race, the second fastest behind World record holder Wilson Kipketer in 2002, and the fourth fastest in 2001. But he had fallen short of claiming a major title until his narrow victory over reigning world indoor champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi at the World Indoor Championships in March. More in TPR #478...
10-May
TPR #477 - Webb Joins Strong New York Line-up
Providing yet another strong domestic test for U.S. 1500 meter champion Alan Webb, the 23-year-old will face double world champion Rachid Ramzi of Bahrain in the mile at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York on June 3, organizers announced. Besides Ramzi, who raced to victory at both 800 and 1500 meters at last summer's World Championships, the field will include Suleiman Simotwo of Kenya and Nick Willis of New Zealand, the 2006 Commonwealth Games 1500 meter gold medallist. Webb's appearance in New York will preclude a return engagement in the Dream Mile at Oslo's Bislett Games, scheduled for the evening before. Last year, Webb was fourth in the fabled Norwegian race, clocking a personal best 3:48.92. More in TPR #477...
09-May
TPR #476 - Powell v. Gatlin in Gateshead
It's official. World and Olympic Champion 100 meter champion Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell, the world record holder in the event, will meet head-to-head at next month's Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Gateshead, Britain's Press Association reported today. In perhaps the most eagerly-anticipated showdown in the sport, the pair's race on June 11 will in all liklihood likely be their first clash of the 2006 season. Both are tentatively slated to race at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on May 28, but in different events. Powell has already confirmed that he will race at the Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway, on June 2, the opening leg of the six-meet IAAF Golden League. Gatlin will contest the 100 on Saturday, June 3, at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York City. More in TPR #476...
06-May
Inaugural SLOVENIAN GRAND PRIX - Camosi, Langerholc Top Performers as Slovenian Grand Prix Kicks Off in Nova Gorica
NOVA GORICA, SLO -- Italy's Paolo Camossi and 2000 Olympian Brigita Langerholc turned in the top performances as the inaugural Slovenian Grand Prix commenced in the western city of Nova Gorica. Competing in ideal conditions under warm sunny skies, the 32-year-old Camossi, the 2001 World indoor champion in the triple jump, reached 16.50 with his only fair jump of the afternoon to win his specialty over local favorite Andrej Batagelj, who was runner-up with a 16.22 effort. More for the AZS, Slovenia's Athletics Federation...
05-May
TPR #475 - Gathering Momentum - TPR's Weekend Guide
The first weekend in May signals the unofficial start of the international season. Here's a brief look at what should provide some of the global highlights this weekend.
Gatlin - Powell watch... Perhaps it's just a way to keep building suspense prior to their inevitable first clash of the season, but one can't help but notice that Justin Gatlin, the world and Olympic champion in the 100, and Asafa Powell, the world record holder in the event, couldn't be farther apart this weekend. More in TPR #475...
05-May
TPR #474 - Alekna, Nelson top Prefontaine Throws Fields
Virjilijus Alekna of Lithuania and American Adam Nelson, the reigning world champions in the discus and shot put, lead their respective fields at the 32nd Prefontaine Classic Grand Prix on May 28 in Eugene, Oregon. More in TPR #474...
04-May
TPR #473 - Anti-Doping Agency to Examine Hypoxic Chambers
In a move that could have serious implications for the training methods of endurance athletes, the executive committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency will discuss the possibility of banning the artificial simulation of altitude conditions at a meeting in Montreal next Saturday. More in TPR #473...
04-May
TPR #472 - Isinbayeva, Lebedeva Top List of Five Pre-Selected to Russian Squad for European Championships
World and Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva and Tatyana Lebedeva, the world record holder indoors in the triple jump, are among five athletes pre-selected for August's European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, Valeriy Kulichenko, the chief trainer for the Russian Athletics Federation announced. More in TPR #472...
03-May
TPR #471 - Zelezny Confident on Eve of Farewell Tour
When Jan Zelezny kicks off his final season in Doha, Qatar next week, the javelin legend hopes that his appearance there, and elsewhere on his upcoming farwell tour, will be more than just a symbolic good-bye wave. After two decades at or near the top of his event, the three-time Olympic and world champion will call it quits after this season, but the Czech, who will celebrate his 40th birthday mid-June, insists that his farewell tour is more than mere novelty. More in TPR #471...
02-May
TPR #470 - Strong Prefontaine Classic Fields Taking Shape
Rachid Ramzi, the 2005 double world champion, leads a solid slate of athletes announced this week for the Prefontaine Classic on May 28 in Eugene, Oregon. At last summer's World Championships in Helsinki, the Moroccan-born Ramzi became the first man to win global titles at 800 and 1500 meters since Peter Snell accomplished the feat at the 1964 Olympic Games. The 26-year-old Ramzi, who now competes for Bahrain, followed up his Helsinki victories with a runner-up finish in the 1500 at the Van Damme Memorial in Brussels, before a disappointing pair of races in September, running fourth in the 800 in Berlin's ISTAF race and a distant eighth in the 1500 at the World Athletics Final. More in TPR #470...
28-April
TPR #469 - Report: Montgomery Arrested in Money Laundering Scheme
The Associated Press is reporting that former 100 meter world record holder Tim Montgomery was arrested today in connection with a bank fraud and money laundering scheme. Steve Riddick, Montgomery's former coach, was also arrested. More in TPR #469...
27-April
TPR #468 - More Experienced and More Mature, Scott Ready to Challenge
Five years ago, Justin Gatlin spent part of his first year at college chasing teammate Leonard Scott. Since, Gatlin has gone on to become, along with Jamaican Asafa Powell, the world's premiere sprinter while Scott, after a short-lived stint in American football, is now playing catch up. But as he enters the third season of his comeback to the sport, Scott believes the chase may soon be over. "I truly believe the way things are going," Scott said in a teleconference with reporters, "the roles are gonna turn back again." More in TPR #468and for the IAAF....
26-April
TPR #466 - Felix-Barber to Duel set for Ostrava
Allyson Felix, the surprise early season world leader in the 100 meters, will take on reigning U.S. champion Me'Lisa Barber at the Golden Spike Grand Prix in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on May 30, organizers announced today. More in TPR #466...
23-April
TPR #465 - Victory, National Record for Kastor in London
Deena Kastor shattered her own American record today en route to her win at the Flora London Marathon. Kastor, the pre-race favorite following the withdrawal of world record holder Paula Radcliffe, clocked 2:19:35 unofficially to become the fourth fastest woman to ever cover the distance, easily bettering her previous best of 2:21:16 set in this race three years ago when she finished third. More in TPR #465...
23-April
TPR #464 - Felix Debuts with 100m PB, World Leader for Cantwell at Kansas Relays
World leading performances by Allyson Felix and Christian Cantwell were the highlights of Goldzone II, a highly entertaining three-hour elite program that capped three days of competition at the 78th Kansas Relays in Lawrence, Kansas. Felix, 20, the reigning World champion at 200m, said before the race that her 100m outing in Lawrence, her first solo race of the season, would be an exercise in speed work, and one in which to work on technical details of her race. By all accounts, things worked. More in TPR #464and for the IAAF...
21-April
TPR #463 - Powell Confirmed for Golden League Opener in Oslo
Asafa Powell, the world record holder in the 100 meters, will be among the headliners when the six-meet Golden League series kicks off on June 2, in Oslo, Norway, organizers announced today. More in TPR #463...
21-April
TPR #462 - Kastor: "I feel the most confident I have ever been going into a marathon"
Supremely confident and in the best shape of her life, Olympic bronze medallist Deena Kastor goes into Sunday’s Flora London Marathon aiming to improve upon her personal best time of 2:21:16. That time made her the 11th fastest woman in history and was also set in London three years ago. More in TPR #462...
21-April
Janson Leaps Collegiate record 4.58m
Lacy Janson of Florida State University set a new American collegiate record in the Pole Vault with her 4.58m clearance on the opening day (20-April) of the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. More for the IAAF...
19-April
TPR #461 - Rogowska v. Pyrek in Ostrava Pole Vault
The Polish pole vaulting duo of Anna Rogowska and Monika Pyrek, the world indoor and world outdoor silver medallists respectively, will continue their duel at the Golden Spike Grand Prix in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on May 30, organizers announced today. Rogowska, also the reigning Olympic bronze medallist, has cleared 4.83 [15-10] outdoors to share the No. 3 spot on the all-time world list. Pyrek, the reigning world championships silver medallist, has an outdoor best of 4.72[15-5 ¾], but has a 4.76 [15-7 ¼] clearance to her credit indoors. More in TPR #461...
19-April
TPR #460 - Wariner Sets Sights on GL Jackpot and a Fast 200
After winning each of the two biggest prizes available to him the past two seasons, World and Olympic 400 meter champion Jeremy Wariner has two specific goals in mind for 2006. The first: to get much –-much!-– faster over the half lap. And the second: to bring home this year’s Golden League Jackpot. More in TPR #460 and for the IAAF...
17-April
TPR #459 - Cheruiyot, Jeptoo Boston Marathon Winners
