U.S. Area Youth Olympic Selection Trials announced

News & Notes, Volume 10, Number 5


03-04-2010
Contact:
Vicky Oddi
Communications Coordinator
USA Track & Field
317-713-4670

U.S. Area Youth Olympic Selection Trials announced

INDIANAPOLIS - The inaugural U.S. Area Youth Olympic Selection Trials - Track & Field will be held Saturday, April 3, at Maverick Stadium at the University of Texas at Arlington USA Track & Field announced on Thursday.

USA Track & Field athletes ages 16 and 17 through December 31, 2010 (born in 1993 or 1994) will be nominated for selection to the Americas Youth Olympic Team based on their performance at the U.S Area Youth Olympic Selection Trials - Track & Field (U.S Area Trials).

The first ever Youth Olympic Games, an event where youth athletes will have the opportunity to balance sport, education and culture, will take place August 14-26 in Singapore. Over 3600 athletes from 205 nations are expected to compete in 26 sports and culture & education programs.

For more information on the U.S. Area Youth Olympic Selection Trials - Track & Field and the Youth Olympic Games, please visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2010/USAreaYouthOlympicSelectionTrials-TF/ or http://www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html.

USATF Diversity and Leadership Committee posts first newsletter

USA Track & Field new Committee on Diversity and Leadership has already dived into its work, producing its inaugural newsletter.

Officially ratified by the USATF membership and the Board of Directors during the 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, the committee's mission is to:

1) Provide advice to the Board of Directors regarding matters of policy on diversity and leadership;

2) Define objectives that align with the published Strategic Initiatives;

3) Develop initiatives to foster leadership development through mentoring; and

4) Provide for community outreach through the dissemination of diversity information

To learn more about the committee, read the committee's first newsletter, subscribe to the newsletter or contact committee members, visit http://www.usatfdiversity.org/

1964 Olympic medalist Drayton diesOtis Paul Drayton, who was a resident of University Heights, Ohio, and 1964 Olympic relay gold medalist, died Tuesday morning after battling cancer. He was 70 years old.

A 1962 graduate of Villanova University, in 1961 Drayton ran on a U.S. 4x100m relay squad at a dual meet versus the Soviet Union that posted the then world record of 39.1 seconds.

At the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Drayton ran the lead led for Team USA's gold medal winning quartet that included Gerald Ashworth, Richard Stebbins and National Track & Field Hall of Famer and former 'World's Fastest Man,' Bob Hayes. In winning the gold medal, the U.S. foursome lowered the world record to 39.0 seconds.

Also known for his prowess in the 200 meters, Drayton won the silver medal in that event at the 1964 Olympics after crossing the finish line in 20.5 seconds. He was defeated by gold medalist and National Track & Field Hall of Famer Henry Carr, who Drayton defeated at the 1964 Olympic Trials. Drayton won the U.S. 200yd. title in 1961 and 1962. His winning time of 20.5 in 1962 tied the existing world record.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Courtesy USATF