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Lead Stories: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Men’s Olympic Middle & Long- Distance In the Modern Era

Posted March 27th, 2008 at 9:00 AM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Track & Field, Olympics

The Modern Olympic Era

Of the 336 medals that have been awarded thus far in the men’s middle and long-distance track events during the Modern Olympic Era (1896-2004) here are some interesting statistics:

· A total of 42 Countries have won medals in these events.*
· Kenya (no surprise) has won the most medals, having won 43.
· USA is a close 2nd with 42.
· Finland (yes, Finland) is 3rd with 41.
· Great Britain is 4th, having won 35.
· Ethiopia rounds out the top 5 with 15 medals.**

· Finland can claim the most gold medals with 21. Kenya is 2nd with 15, followed closely by the USA and Great Britain with 13 each.
· In the silver-medal count, it’s Kenya (17), then United States (13), then Great Britain (12), then Finland (11). France rounds out the top 5 with a total of 9 medals.
· The top 5 in the bronze-medal count are: United States (16), Kenya (11), Great Britain (10), Finland (9) and Sweden (7).
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TFS News Briefs: 12/11/07

Posted December 11th, 2007 at 3:38 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Track & Field, Olympics, Drugs In Sports, TFS News Briefs

Possible ‘Doomdsay’ Scenario for Honolulu Marathon Results
Honolulu Marathon Association president Jim Barahal admitted that hundreds or even thousands of runners may have been given incorrect split and/or finish times. Even worse (and he called it the “doomsday scenario”) up to 3,500 runners may not have been recorded at all. The errors may have been caused by the event’s new timing system. Read more at: [Honolulu Advertiser]

IOC Delays Decision on Jones’ Sydney Medals
The IOC was expected to make a decision on Monday about redistributing Marion Jones’ 5 Sydney medals (3 gold, 2 bronze) but they have decided to delay that decision to study the potential ramifications that it would have on other athletes, like Jones’ relay teammates, who haven’t tested positive for steroids. Read more at: [Coos Bay World]

Norwich Union London Grand Prix Expands to 2 Days
The Norwich Union London Grand Prix, Britain’s largest track meet, is set to become even bigger by expanding to 2 days. Scheduled for July 25th and 26th, 2008, it will be the last major meet before the Beijing Olympics begin 2 weeks later. Read more at: [IAAF]
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IOC, IAAF move forward on Marion Jones doping case

Posted November 6th, 2007 at 2:19 PM by Martha Jones

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics, Drugs In Sports

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge has confirmed that former Olympic champion, famous sprinter Marion Jones, would face further action by the IOC after IAAF’s treatment upon her.

After years of denying she had ever used performance-enhancing drugs, Jones admitted in court that she’d taken the designer steroid known as “the clear” from September 2000 to July 2001.

After her confession, the U.S. Olympic Committee stripped her of the five medals she earned at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

President Rogge said these medals were delivered to the IOC on Tuesday and that the IOC would move on further measures based on the IAAF decision. Read the rest of this entry »

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Podcast 93: NICK SYMMONDS on His Rookie Season, Osaka, & U.S. 1000m Indoor Record

Posted October 12th, 2007 at 3:33 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode sponsored by: Bill Rodgers Sportswear
After 21 years BR Sportswear is closing out their line of high -quality running apparel. Visit shopfest.com to take advantage of an unprecedented 50% discount on all in-stock items!

Episode 93 of TheFinalSprint.com Podcast, the most listened to running podcast in North America, features my interview with NICK SYMMONDS.

In the interview Nick talks about his rookie season as a professional, how his performance in Osaka was affected by the wear and tear of a heavy, summer racing scheduling, and the thrill of watching Bernard Lagat win the 5,000m gold.

Download the podcast to hear Nick discusses these topics, as well as, why Marion Jones’ relay teammates should return their Olympic medals (and why he would do the same if in their position), planning to “train like a miler or 5k guy” this winter to build up his endurance, and aiming for the American indoor record in the 1,000m (which he says may be his “perfect distance”) when he kicks off the season at the Boston Indoor Games.

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Host: Adam Jacobs | Guest: Nick Symmonds
Producers: Greg Cherniet, Adam Jacobs
Musicians: Ryan Ahlwardt, Darnell Perkins
File Size: 12.7 MB | Length: 18:32 MIN

Episode sponsored by: Bill Rodgers Sportswear
After 21 years Bill Rodgers Sportswear is closing out their line of high-quality running apparel. Visit shopfest.com to take advantage of an unprecedented 50% discount on all in-stock items!

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Jearl Miles Clark Releases Statement Regarding Former Teammate Marion Jones

Posted October 12th, 2007 at 2:30 PM by Andrew Goodman

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Drugs In Sports

Jearl Miles Clark, a five-time Olympian who in the past defended Marion Jones in the face of then unproven doping allegations, just released the following statement about her former teammate:

“I am upset and chagrined about the entire drug situation. I defended Marion against critics and said that I wouldn’t believe she had taken performance enhancing drugs unless she said it herself. Well, the other day she admitted it and the reality of the situation has to be dealt with.

My immediate thought is that this is bad for athletes like myself, who are truly clean and run outstanding times. I feel that everyone will suspect us of cheating and look at us with a jaundiced eye.

Concerning the medals, I don’t know what will happen.

Whatever the out come, I have my family’s love and support and the Olympic spirit will always be in my heart. These can never be taken away.

Marion may face charges for lying to federal agents and for using performance enhancing drugs. She made mistakes and now has to pay for them. Unfortunately, others may pay for those mistakes too.”

- Jearl Miles Clark, Five Time Olympian

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