Goodwill Games

06/01/2001

70 Olympic Medallists Charging to Brisbane for Goodwill Games

ATHLETICS fans are in for a treat with 70 of last year's Sydney Olympic medallists already confirmed to compete in Brisbane's Goodwill Games in September.

Michael Johnson, Marion Jones, Maurice Greene, Ato Boldon, Heike Drechsler, Roman Sebrle, Erki Nool, Noah Ngeny, Jai Taurima and Tatiana Grigorieva headline a group of 70 track and field Olympic medallists from 27 countries around the world heading to Brisbane.

The line-up was announced simultaneously in the United States and Australia today by Goodwill Games Inc. Vice President David Raith.

The Olympic medallists will lead a group of approximately 464 athletes competing in 44 events - 22 women and 22 men's events - over four nights at ANZ Stadium from September 4 - 7.

The number of confirmed Olympic athletes slated to participate at the Goodwill Games is based on a May 31, 2001 date. The figure is expected to grow in the lead up to the Games.

In addition, the host country Australia and the Games originator, the United States, will each receive one entry per sport. The US will determine its entry in addition to its confirmed list of Olympic medallists by the highest finisher of each sport at the US Championships from June 21-24.

Australia will announce its team after the World Championships in Edmonton, Canada in August.

The finals-only format includes the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, mile, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, high jump, long jump, pole vault, 20km walk, triple jump, discus, shot put, hammer, javelin, decathlon and heptathlon.

In all events, a first place prize of $20,000 (USD) will be awarded. As a new event to international track and field, women's steeplechase is deemed a non-championship event and will receive a first place prize purse of $4,000 (USD).

Additional bonuses will also be extended for various records and personal bests. For a world record in any championship event, a $100,000 (USD) bonus will be given. A 2001 world-best time or mark will garner a $7,500 (USD) bonus. For any national record, a $5,000 (USD) bonus will be given, and, for a Goodwill Games record, a

$2,000 (USD) bonus will be given. Any personal-best record will be awarded $1,000 (USD). As a non-championship event, the only bonus in the women's steeplechase will be $25,000 (USD) for a world record. All bonus money is non-wind-aided and non-cumulative.

``We are extremely pleased that many of the best in the sport of track and field will be travelling to Brisbane from around the world to compete in the 2001 Goodwill Games,'' Goodwill Games President Mike Plant said.

``The top athletes competing in the finals-only format with large performance incentives at stake will prove to be one of the highlights of the Games.''

Plenty of tickets are still available for Athletics through Ticketek, with prices ranging from $40 to $60. A family of four can purchase a Family package for $100, while concessions and group discounts also are available.

Free public transport is included in the ticket price.

Phone Ticketek on 133 877.

Media information:
Nikki Todd, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2045 (direct) / Mobile: 0408 011 204
E-mail: nikki.todd@2001gwgbrisbane.com.au

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