By Hannah Bonnie
Before the Olympic trials began Friday, Tracktown USA president Vin Lananna addressed many issues from which events to watch during the trials (such as the women’s 800, which has semifinals Saturday and the final Sunday) to negative headlines concerning the sport of track and field. Throughout the news conference, Lananna stressed the importance of his goal of increasing the popularity of the sport. Here are some highlights:
- On concerns about how long the trials are: “I think it is important for us to get the most exposure that we possibly can for the sport of track and field, and this certainly provides that opportunity.” Lananna would be in favor of having the trials last for two weekends, Friday through Sunday. This model would allow athletes to have more time to rest.
- On the reconstruction of Hayward Field: It will begin this fall and last for two years, finishing in time for the 2018 NCAA Championships. Although many people have voiced concerns about the remodel and how it may destroy the history of Hayward, Lananna said, “I think the history will be preserved, the branding will be preserved, and I think that anybody who walks into Hayward Field will not only not worry about the heritage and the history that’s here, but I think that they will be enthused.”
- On whether there will be a major moment during the trials, such as Ashton Eaton breaking the decathlon world record in 2012: “There are so many events and so many opportunities for these big defining moments.” He continued by saying, “I think we’ll see something special in the hammer.” On Wednesday, for the first time, the hammer throw will take place on Hayward Field.
- On the negative headlines concerning doping in track and field: “It’s very difficult to be in the position where you are actually have your fans, kids, wondering if these performances are clean. That to me is the worst part of this.” Lananna said hehopes the United Statescan set an example for clean sports.
- On headlines concerning potential problems with the Rio de Janeiro Olympics from the Zika virus to construction and financial issues: “Every Olympics has some kind of controversy around it.” Lananna traveled to Rio in January and believes that organizers are prepared. “I’m sure the athletes, no matter what anybody else does, the athletes always make it a great show.” He also has no concerns about the Zika virus, saying that he trusts what the doctors say about how safe Rio is.
