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Lead Stories: Thursday, January 8, 2009

Dysfunction Run Amuck
Part I: USA Track & Field and the Need for Change

Posted November 20th, 2008 at 2:00 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics

USA Track & Field at Critical Crossroads - By Steven Schiff - TheFinalSprint - Small copy

The upcoming presidential election for the sport’s national governing body, U.S.A. Track & Field (USATF), comes at a critical juncture in the history of the organization. Recently appointed CEO Doug Logan has shown both a strong commitment to continue reforming the anti-doping measures that were begun by his predecessor Craig Masback as well as a passion for challenging the status quo. His success in tackling these issues as well as the tough marketing challenges that lie ahead will need to be complimented by a streamlined board of directors in order to ensure the future of the American track federation.

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has levied demands for change at USATF, including serious threats of reduced funding or even de-certification if they fail to comply. Although the restructuring process has already begun for USATF, the process itself faces some tough challenges of its own. USATF national secretary Lynn Cannon has leveled some strong accusations of financial mismanagement that have already reverberated throughout the United States track & field and running community. They have resulted in denials and/or finger pointing from within the board.

TheFinalSprint.com’s investigation into this matter uncovered disturbing accusations and issues of dysfunction, including infighting, power struggles, racial tension, lack of oversight, and conflicts of interest within the board of directors. While the allegations may not rise to the level of criminality, they do threaten to undermine the organization at a time that it desperately needs cohesiveness and efficiency.

With the belief that sunlight is the best disinfectant, TheFinalSprint.com will provide an inside look at USATF and its current situation over the next six installments to be published between now and USATF’s annual meeting in Reno, NV. The topics to be covered in each segment and the date that it will be available can be found below:

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TFS ElectionCast 2008: Interviews With All 3 USATF Presidential Candidates

Posted October 4th, 2008 at 12:43 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Cross Country, Track & Field, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts, Drugs In Sports, Trail / Ultra, Masters, Road Racing

USATF LogoTheFinalSprint.com is set to release a new series of podcasts called TFS ElectionCast 2008: Interviews With The USATF Presidential Candidates. This series will introduce you to the candidates for president of the governing body of track & field in the United States: USA Track & Field (USATF). These podcasts will be published one per day on consecutive days this week (Tuesday - Thursday) and will feature our interviews with the three candidates, who are Bob Bowman, Dee Jensen and Stephanie Hightower.

We will ask all three candidates a series of questions, the intent of which is to allow USATF members and the running/track & field community at large to become better acquainted with the candidates and to help you make an informed decision as you prepare to vote for the next president. With the USOC’s demands for a restructuring of the USATF’s leadership and the decline in popularity of our sport in recent years, we are perhaps at the most critical juncture in the history of USA Track & Field. All three candidates will be asked the same questions and the interviews will be 100% non-partisan. This is all in keeping with our goal of making TheFinalSprint.com the premier destination for track & field, marathon, and road running enthusiasts.


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