USA Track & Field – News – Rivalries Renewed at Shanghai Diamond League – Felix and Gay win in Manchester – Outrun the Sun Partnership – USATF Browser Theme – News and Notes, Volume 11, Number 10

The second meet of the 2011 IAAF Samsung Diamond Leauge ended in dramatic fashion as David Oliver was unable to hold off the former World and Olympic 110m hurdle champion Liu Xiang in what was the first loss after an 18 race winning streak for Oliver.

Liu Xiang was out of competition last season due to surgery, but he left no question that the rivalry between Oliver and Xiang is renewed. Xiang finished in a world leading time of 13.07, with Oliver in second in 13.18.

After the race, Oliver said, “ My start was not very good,” he said. “I wish I had the answer to why I underperformed tonight. I will just have to go away and train harder and be ready for my next major competition.”

The USA swept the podium in the men’s 400m for the only U.S. win in Shanghai. David Neville lead the race early on; however, Clavin Smith and Greg Nixon unleashed a late surge over the last 20m to pass Neville for the lead. Smith finished first (45.47), with Nixon second (45.50) and Neville third (45.58).

Jillian Camarena-Williams took second place in the shot put with 19.35m/63-6, preventing a clean sweep for China who placed athletes in 1st, 3rd and 4th.

For complete results, visit here.

Felix and Gay win in Manchester

Allyson Felix and Tyson Gay claimed the top-spots at the Unique Manchester City Games. The unique 200m track is set through the streets of downtown Manchester. Tyson Gay won the 150m straight race in 14.51 in spite of rainy conditions. His split for the final 100m was 8.88. Americans claimed the top two spots over the British athletes, as Darvis Patton claimed second place in 14.98.

Allyson Felix ran the straight 200m and rode a strong 2.6 meter-per-second tail wind to the win in 22.12 seconds. Felix crossed the line with time to spare, as her closest competitor was more than a second behind her.

Outrun the Sun Partnership
USA Track & Field (USATF) and Outrun the Sun, Inc. (OTS) announced today a cause marketing partnership designating OTS as the National Governing Body’s “Official Sun Safety Partner.” The partnership integrates the sun safety message in USATF national and grassroots programs and marketing to athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.  

"Skin cancer remains the number one form of cancer in America and it is highly preventable. Our partnership with USATF provides a valuable delivery system for sun safety messaging and skin cancer prevention among runners and walkers nationwide,” said Anita Day, Executive Director of OTS. “We are pleased to be reaching USATF youth and adult members with educational information about skin cancer, including melanoma. When it comes to preventing melanoma, education is key.”

OTS will collaborate with USATF in the production and distribution of sun safety education materials targeting track and field clubs, runners and walkers, officials and spectators, and direct-to-consumer engagement at USATF championships, meetings and events.

USATF will be recognized at the Outrun the Sun Race Against Melanoma in Indianapolis on Saturday, June 4.This is the largest evening event of its kind in America with proceeds supporting skin cancer education and melanoma research.

"We realize the importance of sun safety and the leadership role that USATF has taken by adopting the sun safety education initiative,” said Mike McNeese, the Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of USATF. "USATF’s obligation to provide safe practice and competitive venues must include this commitment to advance sun safety education initiatives through our associations, coaching education, club practices, group distance runs, Junior Olympic meets and championship events. Together, USTAF and Outrun the Sun can make a great impact on sun safety education.”

The USATF/OTS partnership kicked off with a virtual Race Against Melanoma, encouraging USATF members and their constituencies to participate in a run or walk of any distance at any time or location during May, national melanoma awareness month. When registering, each person takes the “OTS Sun Safety Pledge” and receives information about sun safe practices. Proceeds support the USATF sun safety initiative.

USATF Launches New Browser Theme
USA Track & Field has worked in partnership with Brand Thunder LLC, to create a unique interactive browser theme that will allow USATF fans immediate access to USATF news and events, merchandise, membership information, and even running routes.