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TrackTown12 Photo Tribute

The London Olympics are in full swing, which means TrackTown12 was finishing up a month ago.  One of our wonderful photographers Dave Thomas, and his team of Alice Thomas, Benjamin Brayfield and Rachelle Hacmac from Maui Total Visual, put together a tribute video of photos that captured the energy and great performances of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field. So in between all the Olympic coverage, check out this video and get inspired for all the great Olympic track and field action to come.  Also, stay tuned for more photos and videos of all the great action from TrackTown12!

 

By Nathan on July 31, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged , , .

TrackTown12 Clothing & Materials for Sale!

8 pack of programs

8 pack of programs $10/set

UPDATE:  We are working on a plan for on-line sales — hope to have details finalized in the next few days and we will post information here on the blog when it is ready!  Thanks!

The crowds have vacated the stadium.  The work crews have taken down every tent.  The last of the fork lifts has lifted the last of the pallets.

But TrackTown12 is not quite over.

There are water bottles, jackets, and t-shirts.  A few poster and lots of banners and two colors of hats.  Lanyards and eight packs of programs and sweatshirts.  All are commemorative TrackTown12 materials.  All are filled with memories of races watched, implements thrown, Olympic dreams achieved.

And, all are for sale.  All are on sale.  All are available at great prices.  And all are located at the Travel Lane County Adventure Center just north of the Gateway Mall: 3312 Gateway St.,Springfield, OR 97477.  Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash or check only please. Sorry, no phone orders or mail orders ; must purchase in person at the Adventure Center.

Here are some of the deals (see photos below):

  • TrackTown Relay sweatshirt:  $20  (XS/S only in zip ups)
  • TrackTown Relay DriFit t-shirts  $10
  • TrackTown Olympics Men’s DriFit shirt $15
  • Eugene 2012 Sweatshirt $20
  • Trials Eugene 2012 DriFit t-shirt $10
  • Hats $10
  • TrackTown Lanyards $1
  • TrackTown Tshirts (volunteer green) $10
  • TrackTown12 jackets (size L only) $30
  • TrackTown 12 water bottles  $2
  • Daily Program Eight Pack $10
  • Large Banners $30
  • Small Banners $20

TrackTown volunteer clothing

Men's Dri-Fit shirt

TrackTown Relay items

By Rita on July 7, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged , , , .

“Preparing for the Best” with Stephanie Rothstein

courtesy of Flotrack.com

Many, many elite distance runners migrate to Flagstaff, Arizona for high altitude training throughout the off season.  One group, however, claims this town as its permanent residence.  For several years now, McMillan Elite has been building prestige and gaining recognition as one of the top distance training groups in the country.  Athletes from the 5k to the marathon enjoy a positive training environment coached Greg McMillan and supported by adidas and the community of Flagstaff.

After bouncing around to several different training locations, including a few years in Eugene, Stephanie Rothstein has found success and happiness within the group.  After a slightly discouraging go-around at the marathon Olympic Trials this winter, she is ready for a second chance on the track.  Not only is she a dedicated runner, she is also the second half of the duo that developed the increasingly popular natural energy bar, PickyBars.  Her fiancé, Ben Bruce is also excited to make it back to Eugene to compete in the 3k Steeplechase after having left the OTC Elite last year in order to be closer to Steph. We steal a moment of her precious time to ask her opinions and advice on the upcoming Trials…

Can you tell us a little more about McMillan Elite and some of the benefits it offers to its members?

McMillan Elite was started by coach Greg McMillan with the support and funding from adidas. It is intended to help post collegiate athletes pursue a professional running career by offering housing, adidas gear and travel for races.

Many athletes on the team train primarily for longer distances and road races, about how many athletes from the team will be coming to Eugene to compete in the Trials this summer?

There will be 4 athletes competing at the trials- Ben Bruce (steeplechase), Aaron Braun (10,000/5,000m), Stephanie Rothstein (10,000/5,000), and Kellyn Johnson (10,000/5,000m).

Were you training in Eugene in 2008 last time the Trials were here? Did you run in them?

I was training in Eugene under Brad Hudson and ran the 10,000m placing 12th.

What do you remember most about the general experience, aside from competition, back then?

The festival along Agate and on campus was full of energy as well as the post race celebrations at a popular pub on Villard Street.

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?

I’m looking forward to being back in a town where track and field is so revered and loved that you feel everyone cares about what you are trying to achieve.

What do you foresee being the biggest hassle/challenge in the experience?

I don’t foresee many hassles in Eugene.

Do you think you have any advantages, having lived and trained in Eugene?  How so?

I think my knowledge of the town will help us with where to run for training, knowing several people there and being comfortable in a high pressured competition. Knowing the best coffee shops and restaurants also helps.

Where are some of your favorite places to visit when you come back into town? Do you have anything/anywhere specific that you would recommend other runners and spectators check out when they visit this summer?

My favorite eating places are Wandering Goat coffee, Off the Waffle, Hideaway Bakery, Sweet Life and Pizza Research Institute. As for entertainment heading to some of the local wineries is always a must when in Eugene- Sweet Cheeks and King Estate.

Have you heard anything about the London Pub, the SuperBlock exhibits/vendors, the live performances, etc being planned for the meet?

I haven’t heard of the London Pub but have heard of the SuperBlock and I’m sure it will be amazing.

Follow Steph and her teammates and friends leading up to their events in Olympic Trials.

Twitter: @stephazona, @mcmillanelite, @mcmillanrunning, @pickybars,

Websites: McMillanElite, McMillanRunning, Pickybars,

courtesy of teamrunflag.blogspot.com

Courtesy of PickyBars.com  

Courtesy of McMillanElite.com

 

By bridget on June 15, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Athlete Profiles, Preparing for the Best.

Monday Matters | TrackTown12 New Look and Spectator Information

There are only 17 days before the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field and we want to make sure that you the spectator are prepared for your time here in Eugene.  We have recently updated our Spectator Section of our website with some useful information.

- Get around TrackTown USA with the City of Eugene Map
- Do you know how you are getting to Hayward Field? Here is the Spectator Parking & Shuttle Information, including a Shuttle Map.
- Now that you are at Hayward Field, use the TrackTown12 Map to get yourself around the entire event.
- Before you enter the Festival Gates, here is a list of Prohibited Items that aren’t allowed in.
- Have some free time and want to get a run in. Check out TrackTown’s awesome trails using the TrackTown USA Runner’s Map.
- If you still need tickets, take a look at the Competition Schedule and buy your tickets now!

Continue to check back to TrackTown12.com for updates, including highlights of the Festival and Entertainment lineup.

TrackTown12 New Look
As you can see with the website, TrackTown12 has recently launched it’s new creative look for the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field.  Headed by Creative Director Tyler James from AMH Brands, the new look can be seen on the website, our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter & YouTube) and in different displays around TrackTown USA, including billboards and street banners.

Here are some of the banner’s that are up now!

 

Example of the billboards put up around  TrackTown.

Get ready for the Best Time Ever!

By Nathan on June 4, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Monday Matters and tagged , , .

“Preparing for the Best” with Brigetta Barrett

Courtesy of USATF.org

Singer, Song-writer, Actress, Blogger, and finally, WORLD CLASS HIGH JUMPER!  Unlike many other competitors vying for a spot on this year’s U.S. Olympic Team, Brigetta Barrett will be approaching the Trials with a perspective beyond the high jump mat.  Many of her teammates from last summer’s World Championships in Daegu remember her more because of her stunning performance at athlete skit night than her spectacular 10th place finish at the meet.  With a summer like this, it was easy to forget that she would be coming home to finish a Theater Arts degree and another collegiate season at the University of Arizona (you may have seen her valiant attempt at the Collegiate Record two weeks ago at the PAC-12 Championships).

This year, while continuing with all these demands on her time, she has also managed to start up a blog about her fellow athletes. Their camaraderie and friendship are what fuel her and keep her excited about discovering her own potential.  You will quickly find that the answers she gave for the questions we have been asking many of the other athletes are quite different- a testament to her unique and special approach to the sport.

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field and Eugene?

My best memory from past meets at Hayward Field was not necessarily competition related. It was the time I sang the national anthem for our PAC -12 conference meet. After I finished singing I went into the stands to watch the rest of the meet because I was not competing on that day. As I stepped into the stadium everyone in the stands stood up and gave me the most heartfelt round of applause I have ever received. It meant so much to me because I know that Hayward track fans are huge fans of the sport. But I had not competed yet and they gave me so much love just for singing. My second best memory was when I became a U.S. National Champion for the first time in my life. It was my biggest platform of my life at the time and to receive that much love even though I was not a Oregon Duck was unbelievable.

Did you come to the Trials in 2008?

I did not come to the trials in 2008. I was a junior in high school and although I qualified to jump at the Trials I did not go. I strained my neck and felt it was smarter to rest than to possibly hurt myself more. So I rested and remained determined that I would go to the Trials four years later, fully prepared to make the team.

After doing so well here in 2011, how will this year be different?

The only difference that I hope this year will bring is an even greater performance than last year. This year I will be defending the national championship and I know that many girls have been training with the intent of trying to take it away from me. But I know that God has a plan for my life and for my sport. So this year I will be jumping on faith and believing in the talent and abilities that I know God has given me. It is not about me this year; it is about everyone that has been supporting me, all of the people that look to me and my life for inspiration, and it is for the chance to wear that USA uniform at the Olympic Games.

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?

I have started a blog (born2bgr8.tumblr.com) where I interview other track athletes about their sport and their outlook on life because of their sport. So at the Trials I will have a lot of chances to speak with my fellow friends and track athletes and get a lot of material for my blog.

Will you be coming to the meet this summer with your college team?

Yes. We have a lot of athletes who have a great chance to make this year’s Olympic team. I am honored to have such inspiring and talented teammates. They push me to be better.

Are you planning on getting here early or staying after your event?

I know that we will be getting there early but I am unsure of how long we will be staying afterwards.

Do you have anything specific you like to do when you come to Eugene for meets (favorite restaurants/bars, etc you always eat at, places you like to stay, the Saturday Market…..etc??)

I like to experience the restaurants that are close to the track. There is also this ice cream place that makes their own ice cream. I would like to give it a try. But I really look forward to being reunited with my fellow track athletes, who I would not get the chance to see if it weren’t for Olympic Trials. They also inspire me and track athletes are so nice and down to earth — I just like being around people that share the same passion that I have.

Want to know more about bubbly Brigetta (better known as Bebe), show her your support by checking out some of these other websites and CHEER HER ON!

ASU Profile: Brigetta Barrett

USATF Profile: Brigetta Barrett

Twitter: @bebe3114

Blog: http://born2bgr8.tumblr.com/

 

Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

By bridget on May 24, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Athlete Profiles, Preparing for the Best and tagged , , , , .

“Preparing for the Best” with Britney Henry

Courtesy of Kevin Clark/ The Register Guard

Hammer Time is a special event being planned to kick off the U.S. Olympic Trials this summer. Instead of Eugene, Beaverton, Oregon will be the site of the competition. The Nike World Headquarters will be transformed to showcase these special athletes and lead everyone toward the later festivities down south. With Hayward Field being the historical and iconic site that it is, we wondered what the athletes really thought about this unique separation. Britney Henry filled us in.

Even being a two-time All-American, a PAC-10 champ and a University of Oregon school record holder, Britney has still improved by leaps and bounds since graduating from college.  She has since been ranked 2nd in the US and 14th in the World and thrown a personal best of 71.27 meters (233 feet, 9 1/2 inches).  Currently she spends most of her time in San Diego, training at the Olympic Training Center, where she is close to family and friends, but moves up to Eugene for one week every month to get one-on-one instruction from her throwing coach Lance Deal.  She is an active voice in the female athlete world, keeping a regular blog and doing all she can to raise awareness about sports and the importance of following dreams.

Were you training in Eugene in 2008 last time the Trials were here? Did you compete in them?

Yes I was living and training here and did compete in them.

Tell us a little about how your attitude and expectations might be different now coming into this meet than in 2008.

I had just graduated from college and was new to the career.  I am coming into this one with a much more stable mindset- more prepared to compete as a professional. I’ve learned how to think, train my mind, to calm my nerves, what I need to do physically and mentally to be ready on the day of competition. I see myself as a contender for this team.

How do you feel about Hammer Time and it being separated from the rest of the festivities in Eugene?

I’m really excited! I think any opportunity to get exposure for the hammer is great! This will showcase the event in a new crowd (Portland). It’s always fun for us to be able to show people what we do.

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?

(Laughs)…the Beer Garden! It will be fun to come down to Eugene after our competition is over and just chill out watching the races.

What do you foresee being the biggest hassle/challenge in the overall Trials experience?

I have it nice; when I come down to Eugene, I stay with my coach (kind of off the grid) which keeps me out of the crowds.  I would definitely encourage people to do that, check out restaurants outside of the main areas. Personally, the worst thing for me is the POLLEN!  It hits me pretty hard.

Do you think you have any advantages, being based and training in Eugene?

Yeah, people may still recognize my name from when I competed at the University of Oregon, but I think events here are fun for everyone because the track fan base really understands the sport.  They know what a good mark is and when to cheer and get excited!

Do you have anything/anywhere specific in Eugene that you would recommend other athletes and spectators check out when they visit this summer?

Cornucopia is definitely one of my favorites- the one on 17th, they have a good menu and good beer! I also like Roaring Rapids Pizza in Springfield.

Stay in the ‘ring’ with Brittany from now until the Trials by following her on

Twitter- @hammerlover

Facebook- Britney Henry

and her personal blog- http://britneyhenry.blogspot.com/

or her Project- http://thebritneyhenryproject.blogspot.com/

Courtesy of TheBrittanyHenryProject.blogspot.com

By bridget on May 18, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Hammertime, Preparing for the Best and tagged , , , , .

‘Behind the Scenes (Mic)’ with the Voice of Hayward Field, Paul Swangard.

In order to create the Best Time Ever at TrackTown12, a lot of time and coordination is being spent on the run of show for each day inside Hayward Field.  Everything besides the results is carefully planned, including, among many things, the opening ceremonies, award ceremonies, and TrackVision video content. One other key elements for the run of show during the U.S. Olympic Trials  – Track and Field lies with the individuals behind the public address microphone.  Luckily for TrackTown USA, we have one of the best around. Paul Swangard, a long-time track and field announcer at Hayward Field, has a growing reputation as one of the premiere announcers in the sport, and for the first time will be one of the lead announcers for the Olympic Trials during TrackTown12.

Photo from Lundquist College of Business

 

Swangard grew up in Eugene as a track and field fan. He attended South Eugene High and holds both his Bachelors and MBA degrees from the University of Oregon.  When Swangard isn’t behind the mic, he is serving as the the Managing Director of the James H. Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business.  We recently caught up with Paul to give us some ‘behind the mic’ insights as he prepares for the Olympic Trials.

A little Swangard History…When was your first Hayward experience and when was your first time behind the mic?
PS: I was born in Eugene in the late 60s and grew up a track fan in TrackTown USA. My parents viewed spring meets at Oregon like a daycare center. We’d be dropped off before the first event and spend the entire day at Hayward Field. I still have a shoebox of autographs from the 1980 Trials and a lot of great childhood memories. After some success sprinting at South Eugene, I was lucky enough to be asked to walk on at Oregon in the mid 80’s but lasted only a season. Later, I transitioned into a career in sports broadcasting and was asked to audition for the Hayward PA job in the early 90’s after Wendy Ray stepped down. It’s hard to believe I’m approaching 20 years in the role but it’s been a great run so far!

What is the Hayward Field experience like from the booth?
PS: It’s controlled chaos in the booth. I’ve always said it is like being a ring master at a circus doing our best to keep the crowd in tune with what is going on and providing perspective on how well the athletes are performing. The sight-lines are good though the television platforms can make announcing the jumps a bit of a challenge. What is great about being in the booth is we are all fans of the sport and are all focused on delivering a great experience for the fans and for the athletes regardless of affiliation.

Looking back to Eugene08, in your opinion, what made it so special?
PS: I think Eugene08 was both a great track and field meet and a great event. That was the difference as the organizers sought to elevate the Trials into a broader entertainment experience. People came to be a part of it with or without a ticket. I think they’ll elevate it again in 2012.

You have announced meets all over the country, how do the other experiences and venues compare to Hayward Field?
PS: Each venue has its own distinct personality.  I’m biased to Eugene only because its home and the spectators always seem to be the most educated and understand the role they play in supporting the athletes. The magic of Hayward Field is as much the fans as it is the venue. Still, I’ve enjoyed the chance to announce in other venues and look forward to doing more in the future.

Do you prepare for the Trials differently than any other meet you announce?
PS: I’ll be teaming up with Garry Hill (editor of Track and Field News) to announce the Trials. We’ve now worked several meets together (Pre, USATF Championships, Pac-12 Championships) so I think we have a good chemistry. With two “voices” it allows us to do a lot more homework and we’ll be able to give each event full coverage. In some meets there is almost too much going on to keep track of, but at the Trials all of the athletes deserve to be on stage.

What are you most excited about this year during TrackTown12?
PS: This is actually my first Trials as one of the lead announcers. In 2008, the late Scott Davis (longtime Pre Classic and Mt. Sac Relays announcer) and Garry Hill shared the microphone. I did the opening ceremonies, some interviews on the Festival stage and the hammer events outside the stadium. Turned out I was announcing the men’s hammer at the same time as that legendary Men’s 800m finish. Never heard Hayward Field louder but didn’t actually see the race! This time I get the best of both worlds. I will be in Portland to announce Hammer Time at the Nike campus and then join Garry in calling all the events in the venue. I’m just excited to be able to have a role in staging a great event and being one ingredient to the atmosphere of TrackTown USA.

You may have seen this video before, this time close your eyes and listen to the passion and excitement from Paul Swangard!

By Nathan on May 7, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Behind The Scenes and tagged , , , , .

“Preparing for the Best” with Ian Dobson

Growing up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Ian Dobson’s decision to land in Eugene as a member of the Oregon Track Club was an easy one.  He was first drawn out of the state for college, where he had an amazing career for Stanford.  He was an All-American nine times and made his first US National team his senior year in the 5k.  He continued running and made the 2008 Olympic Team while a member of the Mammoth Track Club.  It was here that he met his future wife, NC State Alum, Julia Lucas. Together they made the decision to leave California and head north. Their journey brought them to Eugene where they have become not only distinguished members of the Oregon Track Club, but also valued members of the community.  They coach a running group open to the public every Thursday night and actively participate in club and neighborhood events whenever their schedule allows.

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field? And what was your highest finish here?
ID: Finishing 3rd at the 2008 Olympic Trials.  It was fun in part because it was somewhat unexpected success.  People like Bobby Curtis, Chris Solinsky, Bolota Asmerom, and Jonathon Riley were all in the race and running really well at the time. It was fun having a lot of local supporters, having grown up in Oregon.  I had run at Hayward Field several times through high school but it never seemed to go well there.  I was happy to finally break through that streak.

What most impressed you about the Trials in 2008?
ID: How much the entire town changes for Track and Field- all the billboards, the festival…Eugene is unique in that it is the perfect size to be completely transformed for a few weeks by the energy of the meet.  I don’t think any other town could pull it off like that.

As an athlete, what do you foresee to be the biggest hassle/challenge in your experience in Eugene this summer?
ID: I worry about people (friends and family) coming into town at the last minute and asking to stay with us because everything is booked or too expensive. I don’t like not being able to help them out but I want them to know that this is business for me.

I also hope that local restaurants and businesses will respond to the crowds and schedule.  I remember in 2008 after the meet, everyone would want to hang out and socialize when they were finished competing and there were a few places that stayed open (Villard Pub, no longer there) and had special hours so that people could do that.  It was a lot of fun!

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?
ID: The weight off.  So much energy and focus over the course of the last few years has gone into this one event.  There are so many different ways it could go, when it is done, no matter the outcome, we will know and be able to plan the next step.

Do you think you will have an advantage living and training in Eugene with OTC? In what way?
ID: It will be nice to not have to rely on coaches and staff for transportation around town, to the race, etc.  We will be able to warmup like a regular workout.  There will just be more ‘controls’ for us than if we had to go away.  And having the Oregon support and the community connections there cheering us on will be great.

Do you have anything/anywhere specific in Eugene that you would recommend others runners and spectators check out when they visit this summer? (restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, etc?)
ID: You should definitely go to Hideaway Bakery in town near Amazon Rexius.  If you don’t mind exploring outside of town a little, check out the McKenzie River Trail.  We also love the restaurant PRI (Pizza Research Institute).

 

Picture courtesy of Shamrockshuffle.com

Picture courtesy of Shamrockshuffle.com

Julia Lucas, as she crosses the finish line after her most recent victory at the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago.

 

By bridget on April 19, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, News, Preparing for the Best, Team USA, TrackTown Spotlight and tagged , , , , , .

‘Preparing for the Best’ with Leonel Manzano

 

Photo Courtesy of Phil Johnson

The marquee event at many track meets has traditionally been the infamous men’s mile. Within this domain, Leonel Manzano has become a household name. Known for his tenacity and fight despite his small stature, he exploded onto the national scene as a freshman for the University of Texas by winning the 1500 NCAA Outdoor title in 2005.  Since then, his accolades have continued to rack up, with numerous records and titles in individual as well as relay events. He finished his collegiate experience as a nine-time All-American and four time NCAA Champion. His international experience started while still a college junior, when he made the USA National team and traveled to Osaka, Japan to compete in the IAAF World Championships. This would give him valuable experience for the following year in which he represented his country at the 2008 Olympic Games. He has placed in the top three at USA National Championships the past five years.

What is your best track memory from past meets at Hayward Field and Eugene?
LM: My first track memory in Eugene was when I was a freshman at the University of Texas. I had never really been out of the state and when I came to compete in Eugene I was blown away on how great the fans were!

Highest finish here?
LM: I won my race as a freshman, I believe it was one of the Oregon invites.

What most impressed you about the Trials in 2008?
LM: What impressed me the most about the Trials in 2008 was the amount of participation from the Fans and the International TV coverage.

Are there any changes from previous meets at Hayward that you hope to see for the Trials?
LM: I think it would be great if they could have live music while we ran. Other than that I think it would be hard to make the meet better.

As an athlete, what do you foresee to be the biggest hassle/challenge in your experience in Eugene this summer?
LM: I think the biggest hassle would be the travel. Eugene is great but sometimes the flights into and out of Eugene are very limited.

Aside from your competition, what are you looking forward to most about the Trials this summer?
LM: The one thing I really look forward to is the excitement of the fans inside Hayward Field. There is a lot of energy and the fans are very knowledgeable.

Are you planning on getting here early or staying after your event?
LM: I am arriving about two days before my event. I am trying to be as focused as possible. At the end of the day it is a job and I have to do it to the best of my ability. Hopefully no distractions for me this time around. But maybe things will change afterward.

Do you have anything specific you like to do when you come to Eugene for meets (favorite restaurants/bars, etc you always eat at, places you like to stay)
LM: I like to go to Dutch Brothers Coffee in the morning and there is an organic burrito place I really love. The name escapes me.

To find out more about Leo and to follow his racing schedule this spring, go to his links on the web:

Website:  http://runleo.com/

Twitter: @leomanzano

Facebook: Leo Manzano Fan Page

 

By bridget on April 12, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials, Preparing for the Best and tagged , , , .

‘Behind the Scenes’ | Making TrackTown12 a Sustainable Event

Eugene/Springfield, greater Lane Country and the University of Oregon prides itself in its commitment to sustainable practices.  In 2008, our Local Organizing Committee (LOC) earned the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) first award for Sport and the Environment for its environmental and sustainability efforts during the 2008 Olympic Trials – Track and Field and Eugene08. Through a collaboration of City of Eugene staff, Lane County, Lane Transit, EWEB and others throughout the community, the event achieved a 72% recycling rate and many other accomplishments.  We want to build upon the success of 2008 and make TrackTown12 even better and more sustainable.

We caught up with the LOC’s Sustainability Committee chair Ethan Nelson to update us on what the committee is doing to create an even more sustainable event in 2012.  Nelson’s day job is as the Waste Prevention and Green Building Manager for the City of Eugene.

Looking back to Eugene08, the event was given the Sport and the Environment Award by the IOC, what was so special in terms of sustainability about Eugene08?
EN: The 2008 experience garnered the attention of the IOC because of one thing…..TrackTown USA being green.  This event didn’t just do a green piece or focus on one or two aspects, it was about the entire performance of the event, the integration with the local community, and showing off to the world what being in TrackTown USA is about.  The team that came together to support the event was wide spread and dedicated to the vision of sustainability.  This was the aspect that pulled in the IOC, and what made up their minds was the performance elements.  Eugene08 provided over 400 free bike valet parking each day, had over 50,000 people shuttled via public transportation, reduced the need for on-site diesel generators by upgrading the power infrastructure at Hayward Field, was 100% renewable energy supported, had over a 60% recovery rate for waste generation, had over 40% of all food provided from a local source within 150 miles, provided free tickets to youth and families, and supported the All-Comers meet during one of the dark days.  Eugene08 didn’t just do a track and field meet, it was an experience for all involved.  And it was done with a mind to reducing our impact on the earth and increasing the positive impact to the community.

How are the preparations in making TrackTown12 sustainable coming along?
EN: Excellent.  The Sustainability Committee has been meeting for over 18 months and working on a wide variety of approaches. We are getting down to the wire here and finalizing all of the sustainability related activities in collaboration with the rest of the LOC.

Are there any new sustainable practices being implemented into TrackTown12?
EN: Yes. In addition to all of the activities identified above, which we are focusing on improving our performance in 2012, the new key items include: adoption of a sustainable procurement policy and tracking the sustainable elements of the top ten purchases for the event, BP is calculating the carbon footprint of event transportation and providing offsets in conjunction with their Target Neutral campaign, local food vendors will be tracking local foods and using all compostable materials to integrate with the City’s Love Food Not Waste program, there will be nutritional labeling for vendors foods to help fans/athletes make informed choices. There is also an increased focus on providing support services to alter-abled attendees with the intent of creating as inclusive an environment as possible; Nike has provided $100,000 to run youth and track development activities throughout the event, and we are working with the Council for Responsible Sport to attain the first ever sustainability certification of a multi-day event in North America.

What will it take to reach the levels that were attained in 2008?
EN: Focus, teamwork, and clarity of purpose.  But what is really cool about some of the sustainability aspects of the program is the fact that fans get to drive the success.  Without their involvement in our waste diversion efforts, we won’t make our goals.  So look out for a variety of new fan engagement elements that will be highlighting the event’s efforts and how fans can make a difference.

What you excites you most about what your committee is doing for TrackTown12?
EN: We have been working on creating a system where sustainable events can become the norm and not the exception.  There is a lot of momentum for this right now with collegiate athletics, professional teams, and hallmark events.  We are supporting efforts with US Olympic Committee and our local Lane County Sports Commission.  It is a legacy element, to use a track analogy, we are working hard to hand the baton to the next leg of the race, while making sure they are well set up for a win.

By Nathan on April 10, 2012
This entry is filed under 2012 Olympic Trials and tagged , , , , , .

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