USA Track & Field, Goodwill Games Finalize List of U.S. Athletes For "U.S. Versus World" Meet

Though the format isn't officially a dual meet, the United States is clearly sending its best into battle against an already stellar international group of athletes for the 1998 Goodwill Games track and field competition. USA Track & Field and Goodwill Games executives today released the complete roster of American entries for the Games track and field competition, scheduled for July 19-22 in the New York metropolitan area.

While all athletes are actually competing as individuals in the invitation-only event, the look of the meet will resemble a "USA versus the World" showdown. Led by Olympic and World Champions Michael Johnson, Dan O'Brien and Marion Jones, the U.S. squad is loaded with championship talent in every event, according to Mike Plant, Goodwill Games President. Plant says these star attractions should draw huge crowds to Nassau County's Mitchel Athletic Complex for a world-class, international athletic competition.

Headlining the fast action will be Michael Johnson as he goes for gold in both the 200 and 400 meters, an astounding feat he attained at the ‘96 Olympics in Atlanta. He will face swift competition as he lines up on July 19 against Ato Bolden and six more of the world’s fastest men for the 200 meters. Johnson will be back to the track again July 21 for a 400-meter showdown against a fast field.

Speed is not limited to the men’s events. Track and field’s hottest woman--Marion Jones--will be blazing up the track as she competes in the 100 and 200 meters on July 19 and 20. This world champion has been dominating the track and field circuit, racking up numerous accolades along the way including three gold medals at the U.S. Championships and the title of IAAF Athlete of the Year for 1997.

Undoubtedly the greatest heptathlete of all time, Olympic and World Champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee is calling it quits. The 1998 Goodwill Games represent Joyner-Kersee’s last major heptathlon performance, and also her fourth Goodwill Games. Spectators and television viewers will be a part of sport’s history on July 22 when track and field’s famous lady and legend competes for the last time in the heptathlon.

Olympic and World Champion Dan O’Brien is returning to the Games to defend his ‘94 decathlon title. O’Brien, the current world-record holder, is looking to break his own record this summer at the Games. He’ll face intense competition from Tomas Dvorak, the ‘97 World Champion, when they match up July 19 and 20.

The Games’ field events will showcase an array of U.S. talent including the legendary John Godina. At last month’s U.S. Championships, Godina threw for gold in both the shot and the discus. This summer, Goodwill Games fans will see him attempt it again on July 19 as he strives for the title in both events, which would be a first in Goodwill Games history.

In addition to the 200- and 400-meter speedster Michael Johnson; the "World’s Greatest Male and Female Athletes", Dan O’Brien and Jackie Joyner-Kersee; the swift Marion Jones; and strong man John Godina; other U.S. stars will be shining, including:

Men

• Maurice Greene, ‘97 World Champion, 100 meters;
• Dennis Mitchell, ‘94 Goodwill Games and U.S. Champion, 100 meters;
• Allen Johnson, ‘96 Olympic Champion, 110-meter hurdles;
• Derrick Adkins, ‘96 Olympic Champion and ‘94 Goodwill Games Champion, 400-meter hurdles;
• Bryan Bronson, ‘96, ‘97 U.S. Champion;
• Charles Austin, ‘96 Olympic Champion, high jump;
• Kenny Harrison, ‘96 Olympic and ‘94 Goodwill Games Champion, triple jump;

Women

• Gail Devers, ‘96 Olympic Champion, 100 meters;
• Kim Batten, ‘96 Olympic Silver Medalist, 400-meter hurdles;
• Suzy Hamilton, Two-time Olympian, mile; and many others.

The contingent of international competitors will be a challenge for the Americans—regardless of location. The field will be led by the most elite track and field athletes representing 60 countries, including:

Men

• Donovan Bailey (CAN),world-record holder and ‘96 Olympic Champion, 100 meters;
• Ato Boldon (TRI), World Champion, 200 meters;
• Javier Sotomayor (CUB), world-record holder, high jump;
• Sergey Bubka (UKR), world-record holder, pole vault;
• Tomas Dvorak (CZE), 1997 World Champion, decathlon;

Women

• Ana Quirot (CUB), World Champion, 800 meters;
• Sabine Braun (GER), ‘97 World Champion, heptathlon;
• Emma George (AUS), world-record holder, pole vault;
• Deon Hemmings (JAM), Track & Field News No. 1-ranked 400-meter hurdler in ‘97 and ‘96 Olympic Champion; and many others.

The 1998 Goodwill Games are scheduled July 19 - August 2, in Manhattan and Long Island. The Games will feature approximately 1,500 international athletes competing in 15 sports for a prize purse of $5 million dollars in world record/performance incentives, the largest prize purse in multi-sport history.

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