by Larry Eder
Vashti Cunningham, Des Moines 2018 USA Champs, photo by Mike Deering / The Shoe Addicts
Vashti Cunningham, Des Moines 2018 USA Champs, photo by Mike Deering / The Shoe Addicts
The American Track League is a big deal. It gives track geeks a chance to see athletics and athletes a chance to compete. The opening meet will have women’s HJ and men’s 400m among the six events.
To learn more about the American Track League, please see our interview with Paul Doyle, the impressario at American Track League:
https://www.runblogrun.com/2021/01/runblogrun-presents-socialing-the-distance-2.html
AMERICAN TRACK LEAGUE UNVEILS 400M AND HIGH JUMP START LIST FOR SUNDAY’S MEET TO OPEN THE 2021 PROFESSIONAL TRACK SEASON
ATLANTA: The American Track League’s four-week series of indoor events will kick off Sunday, January 24th, with an elite field of track & field stars for the first competition in the US of 2021. In what promise to be a fast-paced race to start the season, Fred Kerley leads the men’s 400m pack, while the high jump field features young phenom Vashti Cunningham. Additional event start lists will be announced throughout the week including a stacked field in the men’s and women’s 60m that will feature a wildcard twist.
Women’s High Jump Start List:
Vashti Cunningham | USA |
Amina Smith | USA |
Jelena Rowe | USA |
Rachel McCoy | USA |
Tynita Butts | USA |
Taliyah Brooks | USA |
Men’s 400m Start List Fred Kerley | USA |
Christopher Taylor | JAM |
Wil London | USA |
Myles Pringle | USA |
Kyle Clemmons | USA |
Quincy Hall | USA |
American Track League’s made-for-TV, four-meet, indoor elite track and field series will be broadcast live on ESPN/ESPN2. The series, which features the top men’s and women’s track and field athletes in the world, have also been added to the World Athletics 2021 Silver Label Tour.
The 2021 season, which was originally to take place in various cities around the USA, will take place at one location in order to create a strict and comprehensive COVID protocol for all athletes, coaches and officials. The four meets will be held on thecampus of the University of Arkansas at the Randal Tyson Track and Field Center. The 2021 edition of the American Track League will not have fans in attendance. However, these made-for-TV meets will be two hours in length and include some modified events to create more fan engagement and excitement.
As part of the World Athletics Continental Silver Tour, the athletes have the opportunity to earn bonus points, based on their performances, that can enhance their ability to advance to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. With international travel limited and the number of events leading into Olympic Trials in June still unconfirmed, the opportunity is critical for athletes to gain A standard scores to secure minimum eligibility for the games.
TENTATIVE Meet Schedule and TV Station/Times (Order of events and final event lists to be finalized)
Sunday, January 24, 2021 Randal Tyson Track and Field CenteFayetteville, AR, ESPN 2-4PM (Central)
Men’s Events: 60M 400M 60HH SP
Women’s Events: 60M 300M 400M 60H PV HJ
Sunday, January 31, 2021 Randal Tyson Track and Field Center Fayetteville, AR, ESPN2 1-3PM (Central)
Men’s Events: | 60M | 200M | 800M | 60HH | SP | |
Women’s Events: | 60M | 400M | Mile | 60H | PV | LJ |
Sunday, February 7, 2021 Randal Tyson Track and Field Center, Fayetteville, AR, ESPN 3:30-5:30PM (Central)
Men’s Events: | 60M | 400M | Mile | 60HH | LJ | |
Women’s Events: | 60M | 200M | 800M | 60H | PV | HJ |
Sunday, February 14, 2021 Randal Tyson Track and Field Center, Fayetteville, AR
ESPN/ESPN2 TBD (Central) | |||
Men’s Events: 60M | 300M | 800M 60HH | SP |
Women’s Events: 60M | 400M | 1000M 60H | PV |
Quotes:
Paul Doyle (CEO/Founder)
“We are extremely excited to be able to pull this off despite the challenging times. Olympic sport needs exposure to thrive and these athletes need these competitions to prepare and qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games. Arkansas Vice-Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Hunter Yurachek, and the University of Arkansas support staff, has just been incredible in supporting us. They recognize the desperate need we have for these events to take place and the value that we can bring to the institution. Without their support, we would be dead in the water, so I must give sincere thanks to the University of Arkansas. “
Bryan Fetzer (Chief Operations Director) American Track League
“What an incredible opportunity the American Track League presents. The concept is a unique opportunity for the Olympic hopefuls to shine on one of the biggest sports stages in all of sports with ESPN. The vision for ATL by Doyle Management Group, with the help of the University of Arkansas staff and administration, is what the sport desperately needs. It is something different, special and tremendously exciting. What an incredible way to begin an Olympic year
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About American Track League
The American Track League is a series of four meets being held in the United States in Fayetteville, AR. The ATL was founded in 2013 by Paul Doyle and has continued for the past eight years providing elite competition in the US for thousands of athletes. Providing a condensed, fast paced and unique format has been at the center of the ATL to entertain and engage fans, even from the couches of their own homes
