ISSUE 1 VOLUME 1 AUGUST Walking it Out in the Peach State!

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1 ISSUE 1 VOLUME 1 AUGUST 2016 WALK AND ROLL OFF TO A POPPIN START RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING ACHIEVMENT EACH ONE TEACH ONE STRATEGIC PLANNING SPORTSMANSHIP IN MEMORIAM HIGH SCHOOL RACE WALKERS JUNIOR OLYMPICS & THE Georgia RaceWalker HISTORY OF RACE WALKING Walking it Out in the Peach State! Time to Walk and Roll By Jean Williams USATF-GA Race Walk Chair As the new Chair of the USATF-Georgia Race Walk Committee, I welcome you to the first issue of Georgia Race Walker. As the Chair of the USATF-GA Race Walk Committee, I begin this inaugural issue with the objective of it serving as a vehicle to provide constant communication within the race walk community. It is my hope that the Georgia Racewalker serves to create dialogue and that it inspires you to share any news, articles, pictures, links, stories, ideas, announcements, and other relevant and significant race walk material. With due respect, my mission for this newsletter is to provide coverage of any known race walking events, performance results, features, and commentaries on race walking. In short, I aspire to distribute and share any information relative to the sport that is submitted by members of Georgia Race walking community and their friends and family. The purpose of the newsletter is primarily to present information and news on race walking, the athletes, the events, tips, and the Georgia accomplishments. Any news, comments, book reviews, or general features on race walking from you will be greatly appreciated. Although I am not yet sure how many issues will be generated within the year, the goal is to produce a minimum of 3-4 newsletters a year. This of course is subject to the generation of enough headlines from those who race walk, coach race walkers, officiate race walking, and those who just have an interest in race walking. With the vision of seeing race walking prominently recognized, appreciated, and respected in Georgia, I point out that the coverage in this newsletter is not limited to any organization. My goal as USATF- GA chair is to support, recognize, and promote the sport and its athletes regardless of affiliations and the meets in which athletes participate. It is my belief that in order to grow and promote the sport, it is of upmost importance to welcome and encourage all race walkers. Our strength is in numbers, elite or beginner, active or post competitive. All who share our common interest are always welcome. Through our efforts, my mission is to increase the numbers of coaches, new officials and new athletes; as well as to increase the number of race walking opportunities. We salute all members who stand at the starting line, whether at a clinic, a camp, or at a championship. We also salute those who stand on the sidelines cheering our athletes on and including our athletes in their events and activities. We also salute those who are there to push and guide the athletes our coaches and officials. Although growing in popularity, especially in Georgia with our next generation youth; race walking is still a well-kept secret. It is time to change that. It is time to walk and roll out the news about race walking! It is time to educate. There is much to celebrate within our sport; it is up to all of us to make that happen. It is time to walk and roll. I invite you to share this newsletter with others. Make some copies, leave them at the hairdresser, barber, medical and dentist offices. Leave a copy in the break room at work. Educate other on the many happenings in race walking. Share with others the achievements our members consistently demonstrate as they walk for exercise, health and competition. Thanks to all for the welcome and support you have given me in my first two weeks as Chair. I look forward to working with you and invite you to join us in the potential implementation of new programs and initiatives.

2 November 20, 1946 July 12, 2016 James E. Stroup Jr. age 69, passed away in the early morning of July 12, 2016 at Emory Hospital following a 15 month battle with lymphoma. He fought with a courage and a fearless determination that amazed us all. He never complained or exhibited self-pity and fought with his adopted mantra "If I can take it, I can make it". He was born in Hartford City, Indiana on November 20, 1946 to Louise Roach Stroup and James E. Stroup Sr. He graduated from Hartford City High School in 1964 and enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 6 years in Alaska and Oklahoma. He then graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Finance and entered the world of banking - which began a 43 year career working for banks in the Midwest and Southeast US. He was a well-respected leader, employee and friend to his colleagues and was known to all for his impeccable work ethic and integrity. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lorabeth Fisher Stroup, brothers Paul E. and Michael E. Stroup, both of Indiana, and sons Todd Stroup, wife Lisa, of Roswell GA and Ryan Stroup, wife Melissa, of New Orleans, LA. He was a devoted grandfather to Emilie, Ethan, Rebecca, Adalyn and Chloe who brought him so much pride and joy. He loved race walking, gardening, fishing (and occasionally even catching some) and his perpetual quest to eliminate the pesky squirrels from his yard. He was a great man with a kind heart - and he will be terribly missed. Jim was a USATF Member and served as President of the Walking Club of Georgia. He leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten by the race walk community.

3 Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow. ~Henry David Thoreau Jordan Crawford, rising junior at Douglas County High School in Douglasville, Georgia is the first E-1 Track Club athlete to participate in both the New Balance Nationals Indoor and Outdoor Championship during the same year. Full-time students in grades 9-12 who are eligible for their high school team (and/or any high school athlete) born SEPTEMBER 1, 1996 or later, and who have met the entry guidelines, are eligible to compete. The road to New Balance wasn t an easy journey for Jordan. As a youth boy, he competes in the 3000m race walk for USATF and for AAU. Unlike schools in the northeast, northwest, and mid west, Georgia does not usually have a 1500m, 1600m, or mile race walk event. Because of this, Jordan found himself with a conundrum. The deadline to meet the standard was quickly approach, but no meets were on the schedule within the southeast. After a few calls around, Jordan s coach and team administrators were able to locate a mile meet in South Carolina. In addition, two meet organizers in Alabama agreed to add a 1500m Race Walk to the meet schedule. Since Jordan s USATF/AAU Club team was participating in Alabama. Jordan elected to compete there at the Crossplex. To make sure that he met the standard, he participated in both meets at the Crossplex; contesting the 1500m race walk at one meet and the 1600m race walk at the other. On March 11 th, Jordan and his mom, a race walk official and since then, a member of the USATF-GA Race walk Committee, traveled to New York to contest the 1 Mile race at the 2016 New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship. He finished 8 th with a PR of 7: Although an admirable time, it was unfortunate for Jordan that only the top 6 receive medals and have an opportunity to be on the podium at New Balance Nationals. Determined to be on the podium and to get his time further down, Jordan made it a goal to participate in the New Balance Outdoor Nationals. He worked hard to reduce his time. The obstacle wasn t having a meet to meet the standard; his 7:42.90 mark from the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championship more than met the standard. The obstacle this time was being denied a waiver to miss the AAU District Junior Olympic Championship. Just when it appeared that he was going to have to sit out the New Balance Meet, the South Carolina Chapter of the AAU allowed him to compete in their championship on June 4 th in Taylors, South Carolina. The trip resulted in him breaking the record and allowed him to not only competes at New Balance Outdoors, but to also allow him to still compete in the AAU Region Championship in Savannah. On June 16, 2016, Jordan Crawford and his father traveled to North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina to take another shot at a medal and a place on the podium. This time he succeeded, placing 5 th with a 7: Way to Go Jordan! The 2016 USATF National Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championship was held at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI July 14-17, The Championship featured athletes ranging in age from Competing in the M m race walk and the M m race walk from Georgia was Joel Dubow who placed 3 rd in the 5000m walk with a time of 34: In the 10000m walk, Joel placed 4 th with a time of 1:12: Three Georgia Master Race Walkers competed at the USA Masters Games on July 29 th and 31 st in Greensboro, NC at North Carolina A&T. Robert Fowler (65-69 Division) Joel Dubow (70-74 Division) Alan Moore (70-74 Division) All three Georgia athletes contested the 5,000m RW. And came home with gold, silver and bronze. Joel earned gold with a time of 31:30.80, Alan silver with a time of 31:31.55 and Robert bronze with a time of 35:32.07 On Sunday, Alan won gold in the 10,000m walk with a time of 1:16: Joel earned a silver with a time of 56:17:16.

4 Off to a Poppin Start The Race Walk Committee is in its restructuring days. Within the next few weeks it will be rolling out additional information and plans. As of now the committee consists of the following members: Executive Committee Jean Williams, Chair Kellie Crawford, Vice Chair Jacquelwyn Anthony, Secretary Committee Members Alan Moore (Atlanta Track Club, Masters Race Walker) Joel Dubow (Atlanta Track Club, Masters Race Walker, 2014 National Race Walk Age Group Athlete of the Year) Larry Wood (Masters Race Walk) Robert Fowler (Atlanta Track Club, Masters Race Walker) Trey Williams (Open Race Walker) Vaughn Williams (Race Walk Coach) Committee Resources Cyndy Slayton (USATF-GA Officials Chair) Dexter McCloud (USATF-GA Interim President) Diane Graham-Henry (USATF National Race Walk Committee-Vice Chair) Ian Whatley (USATF-SC, World Class Race Walker, Member of Team USA, 5-Time Olympian Trial participant, Race Walk Official & Coach, Author, Researcher) Steve Hubbart (Atlanta Track Club, Master Walker) Susan Heiser Whatley (USATF-SC Race Walk Chair, Race Walk Official, Race Walk Coach) Two Georgia Youth athletes competed in the 3000m Race Walk at the 2016 USATF Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships held in Sacramento California. Kelvin Jackson of E-1 Track Club competed on Monday, July 25 th. The 3 time USATF All American and 3-time Race Walk Honor Roll athlete walked the 3000m in 10:19.3, finishing 2 nd. The 2 nd place win makes him a 4 time USATF All-American. He will also become a 4-Time Race Walk Honor Roll Athlete following the National Annual Meeting USATF 3000m Race Walk nd Place 19:13.71 USATF 1500m Race Walk nd Place 9: rd Place 9: st Place 10:19.37 Jordan Crawford, also of E-1 Track Club, placed 2nd in his 11:00 race on Tuesday, July 26 th, earning him his 3 rd USATF All American title. USATF 3000m Race Walk nd Place 14: st Place 15: th Place 16:48.75 In addition to placing 1 st in 2015, he was honored as a USATF Race Walk Honor Roll awardee. His 2 nd place finish today will again earn him the honor. Jordan also contested the Race Walk in Houston at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. If interested in serving on the Race Walk Committee as a member, volunteer or resource, Please me at jeanwilliams@usatfga.org

5 On Saturday, July 23, 2016, six race walkers stood on Emory University s start line awaiting the sound from the starter s gun. They had hoped that there would be more people to race against, as their goals focused on both fun, getting their times down before the Junior Olympics, and working on technique. The girls raced first, followed by the boys. The results from the race were: Elise Moore (E-1 Track Club) finished 1 st in the Girls Division with a time of 11: Elise is in her second year as a race walker. Last year she became a USATF Junior Olympic All American bringing home a medal. Camryn Curtis (E-1 Track Club) finished 1 st in the girls category with a time of 9: Coming in 2 nd in the same category was Ronndasia Coleman with a time of 12: This will be Camryn s 2 nd year competing in a Junior Olympic. Last year she came home with a medal and the title of All American. This will be Ronndasia s first trip to the Junior Olympic Timothy McCray, a second time walker placed 1 st in the boys division with a time of 12: This was his first race walk medal. After being DQ d on his first try at the Georgia Games, he worked studied the sport and practiced diligently using the tips the Officials had given him at the Georgia Games. Jordan Crawford, a multi-time USATF & AAU Junior Olympic Race Walk Champion and a multi-time Junior Olympic Race Walk Runner up finished 1 st in the Boys Division with a time of Trey Williams, came in first in the Open Men Division with an 8: An avid race walker during middle school and high school, Trey was offer several race walk college scholarships during his senior year. He accepted a scholarship at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. He is just now considering a return to race walking after a lengthy sabbatical. Nominations for Race Walk Person of the Month requested. If you have someone in mind, please forward his/her name to me with the rationale for your nomination. The person can be an athlete, official, organizer, volunteer, sponsors or coach. In addition, we are seeking nominations for Race Walk of the Year categories. Please nominate a coach, club, athlete, official and/or organizer. Please make sure to submit supporting information/evidence for your nominee. Jean Williams, Kellie Crawford and Peggy Curtis served as race walk judges.

6 More Than a Game, It s a Sport! Race Walking at Georgia Games Georgia Games 2016 Youth Kudos 1500m Race Walk Natalia Randleman 1 st Place Marietta Track Club Christopher Ford. Jr. -!st Place North Dekalb Blazers Elise Moore 1 st Place E-1 Track Club 3000m Race Walk Camryn Curtis 1 st Place E-1 Track Club Kennedy Crawford 1 st Place E-1 Track Club Ronndasia Coleman 1 st Place E-1 Track Club Nathaniel Grimes 1 st Place E-1 Track Clu Jordan Crawford = 1 st Place E-1 Track Club On Sunday, July 17 th, thirteen athletes converged in Marietta at Marietta High School to contest the 1500m and/or 3000m race walk. Officiating the race were Jean Williams, Kellie Crawford, and Peggy Curtis. Georgia Games 2016 Masters Kudos 1500m Race Walk Melvin Hart 1 st Place Unattached Robert Fowler 1 st Place Atlanta Track Club Larry Woods 1 st Place Unattached 3000m Race Walk Melvin Hart 1st Place Unattached Robert Fowler. -! st Place Atlanta Track Club Alan Moore 1 st Place Atlanta Track Club Larry Woods 2 nd Place Unattached

7 The 2016 AAU Junior Olympics will kick off its Games in Humble, Texas on Out of twenty-six Georgia youth race walkers registered to participate in the 2016 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Humble, Texas, twenty-four competed bringing home fifteen medals and one National title. Most of these athletes are also USATF members. We take this opportunity to congratulate the following youth Race Walk All-Americans from Georgia. 1500m Race Walk Division Place Athlete Team Location Time F 9 1 st Abigail Quinn Quintessential Sharpsburg 8:08.02N M 9 4 th Christopher Ford, Jr. N. Dekalb Blazers Norcross 11:11.51 M 9 6 th Tarrell Miles All Heart Atlanta 11:35.83 M 9 8 th Christopher Mark Trail Avondale Estates 13:15.19 Masslieno M 10 6 th Taariq Miles All Heart Atlanta 10:05.08 M 11 1 st Joshua Sleight Unattached Douglasville 8:39.91 M 11 5 th Samuel Quinn Quintessential Sharpsburg 9:32.09 M 12 4 th Keldrick Lee TriCity Striders Fort Benning 9: m Race Walk F 13 1 st Camryn Curtis E-1 Douglasville 19:07.16 F 13 5 th Ronndasia Coleman E-1 Villa Rica 23:31.54 F 14 2 nd Kennedy Crawford E-1 Douglasville 19:19.64 F 14 5 th Samaria Robinson Mark Trail Stone Mountain 21:03.06 M 14 1 st Nathaniel Grimes E-1 Douglasville 18:29.25 F th Deja Delaine TriCity Striders Fort Benning 26:59.94 M st Jordan Crawford E-1 Douglasville 14:54.05 August 20. 8a-12p USATF-GA Annual Meeting & USATF- GA Race Walk Committee Meeting, Smyrna Community Center, Smyrna, GA September Georgia Golden Games Olympics, Warner, Robbins, GA Early October DATE TBA USATF-GA Association Mach2/Georgia Association Race Walk, Location TBA Late September or Early October USATF-SC/SE Region 1-Hour RaceWalk Event Coming Soon Recertification

8 In the 2012 USATF-GA Race Walk Committee Strategic Plan, USATF- GA Immediate Past Race Walk Chair shared the following message from Sal Corrallo, former National USATF Race Walk Chairperson and USATF Masters Level Race Walk Official: There has been a lot of discussion over the years on what is wrong with American Race Walking and what needs to be done to make it better. If there is one major problem, it is not that the sport does not have good coaching or competitive opportunities at the international level; nor is it that walking is not a popular fitness activity in general. The major concern is the lack of opportunity for all Americans to learn how to race walk and then participate in race walk competitions. It is an Olympic event which most people know little about. However, there is rather significant evidence that when offered the opportunity a great number of athletes will learn how to race walk, not just for fitness, but to become competitors. Interestingly, it has happened at each end of the age scale. First, there are a great number of race walkers at the masters level. Most are recent converts to the sport. In fact the race walk is often the most contested event in masters meets. At the other end of the age scale, there have been similar experiences in New York and Maine high schools. Both had or have high school programs with high participation levels. Each has produced national and Olympic class athletes. In sum, our major problem is that, in terns fielding competitive international competition teams is that we do not have a very large pool of athletes from which to draw. We have also had difficulty I retaining the athletes we do attract. Of course for those we do not have a very large pool of athletes SETTING THE BAR FOR SUCCESS pool of athletes from which to draw. We have also had difficulty In retaining the athletes we do attract. Of course for those we manage to keep, we need to provide the world class coaching, training, and competitive opportunities and related support systems to redy them for international competitions. As we look out to the larger community we need to find answers on how to enlarge the field. We also need to keep the athletes longer and help them maximize their skills. We will revisit the strategic plan within our Committee and will seek to address the issues we may now face four years later and celebrate any progress we have made along the way, as well as strive to identify any issues and concerns that may have since developed. Once these have been defined or redefined we will, as outlined in the Strategic Plan, use them to identify goals, action steps, potential problems or barriers, and methods to overcome these problems. In doing so, we will begin with use our strategic plans as a guide, centering around the stages of development an athlete goes through, beginning with youth track and ending with a berth on an Olympic Team. As Jim Norvill outlined in the Plan, the stages are generally related to the age and schooling of the athlete. They include State I, Youth or Elementary School; Stage II, Middle, Junior or high School; Stage III, Intermediate or College, Stage IV, Open or Post College; an Stage V, National/Olympic Team. In our re-examination of the strategic plan, we need to develop activities and programs that help us to answer the questions found on page 9 of this newsletter. Feel free to comment. Outstanding athletic performance is a shared commitment between dedicated and knowledgeabl e coaches; motivated, determined, and resilient athletes; and enthusiastic parents with high expectations, and opportunities to improve and perform.

9 POWER FOODS = ENERGY, STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE Healthy Shrimp Creole A survey conducted for the American Dietetic Association s sports nutrition practice group, SCAN (Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists), found that many people are confused about the appropriate foods and fluids that athletes, especially young athletes, should intake. The complete key findings can be found at The findings include what parents thought and what nutritionists said. In summary, Good nutrition is a vital part of an athlete s success and therefore is a key factor to building bones and muscles and increasing an athlete s energy level. Good nutrition includes Lean meat, poultry, fish Bananas, raisins, melons, mangoes, papayas, apples, dried apricots and prunes Other fruits (non citric) Fruit juices (non citric), preservatives, jams, and jellies Fruit popsicles or non dairy smoothies Corn, peas, beans (white, navy, black) Trail mix, nuts and sunflower seeds Fig bars, granola bars, energy bars, Pop Tarts Peanut butter Honey, syrup Bagels, multi-grain bread, rice cakes Potatoes Oatmeal Water If you must go out to eat, be careful of meat and dairy. Opt for pasta, but go easy on the sauce, especially if a cheese sauce. In fact, try not to order cheese sauce. Nutritionists say that carbohydrate should be 50%-70% of a runners diet. On the day before the race, athletes should avoid spicy and heavy foods. The best runners usually try to carbo load at the evening meal before a race the next day. A favorite for powering up the night before a race would be a meal with spaghetti, corn or peas, bread, and a fruit or a fruity dessert. On race day, the athlete needs to continue to avoid spicy and heavy foods. He/she should consider beginning the morning with fruit and a small portion of pancakes, waffles or a bagel. This combination provides the athlete with a great highcarbohydrate breakfast. If the athlete attends school the day before the meet, he/she should think about the race and choose his/her foods wisely, or even better pack a lunch. After the race the athlete s body will need to be refueled. A nutritional snack and a sports drink like Gatorade or PowerAde will help replenish some of what the body burned during running. According to the SCAN survey, many parents did not realize that when a person gets thirsty, the body is already dehydrated? Nutritionists recommend that athletes drink on a schedule. They should drink often, each and every day. The nutritionists say that it is critical for 6-12 year olds to be properly hydrated because they have special fluid needs (among other things, they produce more heat, absorb more heat from the environment and don t perspire as effectively as adults) and therefore can become hydrated regardless of the temperature. Ingredients ¾ lbs shrimp, peeled ¾ lbs orange roughy or comparable fish 1 onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 6 roma tomatoes, chopped 1 can whole tomatoes 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp basil ½ bay leaf, chopped ½ TSP celery seed Pinch of cayenne pepper 2 jalapenos, chopped 2 cloves garlic, mashed 1 TBSP olive oil Directions 1. Heat olive oil in large skillet 2. Toss in garlic, onion and green pepper. 3. Cook until onion is translucent 4. Toss in fresh and canned tomatoes and spices 5. Simmer until stew like. 6. Toss in seafood wile still hot. Lower heat and simmer for minutes. If too saucy add flour water mixture made by combining flour and warm water until pasty. 7. Serve over your choice of rice or its substitute. Please note that this recipe serves over white rice and the calories reflect that choice. Adjust to your dietary needs and preference. Feeds 4 Nutrient analysis (without white rice) Calories: 239 Carbohydrates: grams (28%) Protein: grams (54%) Fat: grams (18%) If you can t win, make the walker ahead of you break the record Anonymous

10 From Heel to Toe The questions listed below are questions that are raised in the 2012 Strategic/Development Plan compiled by USATF-GA s Immediate Past Chairperson, Jim Norvill. The springboard for the plan and the introduction was taken from an Open Message to All Interested in the Future of Racewalking in the USA from Sal Corrallo, former National USATF Race Walk Chairperson and USATF Masters Level Race Walk Official. Now that it is August, Georgia Race Walkers either have completed the USATF Junior Olympics, the USA Masters, and the AAU Junior Olympic Games or are preparing for the Georgia Golden Games Olympics. What better time to begin preparing for the next season. Let us begin with these questions: 1. What should be the USATF Georgia goals for the diverse age groups? 2. What programs or activities are currently available to athletes in Stage I? 3. What needs to be added to the current set of programs or activities? 4. What are the barriers to making existing youth race walkers better and/or adding the programs or activities? 5. What can be done and what resources are needed, both human and material? Jim Norvill resigned his position of USATF-GA Race Walk Chair and Webmaster on July 12 th. Jim s involvement on the committee is going to be a great loss. His contributions include, but are not limited to, offering clinics, securing, sponsors and partnerships, organizing meets, training officials, conducting clinics, trained officials, officiating meets, serving as liaison between the Walking Club of Georgia, representing the sport on the USATF-GA Delegate at the USATF National Annual Meeting. 1. Submit names of race walk coaches, officials, certification needs, race walk events and dates, known clinics, etc. 2. Submit your race walk photos, prose, ideas, news, articles, links, announcements, recent accomplishments, etc. Thank you for making the time to deliberate on these questions. commep

11 Q. WHY DO I ITCH WHEN I RUN? FROM JESSLN BASS, YOUR GUIDE TO RUNNING, JOGGING. Endurance athlete and coach, Jesslyn Bass, says, don t worry; you aren t alone on this problem. It usually occurs during exercise performed after a long period of inactivity. The itching is not on the skin, it is inside the skin. Bass goes on to explain, there are millions of tiny capillaries and arteries inside our muscles which expand rapidly due to the demand for more blood that is brought on by exercise. When our bodies are sufficiently fit, these capillaries remain open, allowing maximum blood passage, but when unfit and inactive, they tend to collapse, allowing only minimal blood passage (which is sufficient for a sedentary person, however). The rapid expansion of these vessels causes adjacent nerves to send impulses back to the brain which are interpreted as an itch. She states, The problem should go away once you have increased your fitness level. Coach Vaughn of E-1 Track Club adds, if the itching continues to be a problem once the fitness level is reached, then the itching may be a result of dry skin which contracts and expands during activities like running and race walking. If this is the case, Coach Vaughn recommends using some kind of skin softener in the athlete s bath water. \ RACE WALK PIT LANE The information below was sent to me by Tish Hanna, Youth Race Walk Coordinator and by Diane Graham-Henry and Susan Heiser-Whatley. I, in turn, forwarded it to the Georgia athletes and parents who had race walkers in Sacramento. The information informs us of the procedure for the Race Walk Pit Lane which was implemented in the 3,000m race walk at this year s USATF Junior Olympics; the Race Walk Pit Lane was used in the 3,000m race walks. As with all race walks, there will be five judges, including a chief judge. The two distances are 1500m and 3000m. Each athlete can be shown a yellow paddle ONE TIME for each of the 2 infractions: bent knee and loss of contact. Judges may not show the same paddle a second time for the same infraction. Judges will try to show a yellow paddle if the athlete is nearing a violation. IF, however, the athlete clearly is not within the rules, the athlete will be given a red card without a yellow paddle. It is important to pay attention to paddles and the posting board as an aid to correct any problems. The Posting Board will be just inside lane 1. It will have an athlete s hip number on it and the offense next to it. Even if you see three red marks with your hip numbers, DO NOT STOP. The chief judge will notify you with a red paddle during or after the race IF you receive three red cards. In the 1500m races, the DQ notifications will be POST RACE. Do NOT leave the area until you have been dismissed by an official.

12 Congratulations to Ian Whatley A SPORTSMANSHIP FABLE In this first issue, I have chosen the word Sportsmanship as my Walk Talk Word. The Merriam- Webster's Learner's Dictionary defines sportsmanship as fair play, respect for opponents, and polite behavior by someone who is competing in a sport or other competition If further describes sportsmanship as conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport. Sportsmanship is an asset to every sport, not excluding the race walk. Think about it, most people we meet are not familiar with the sport of race walking. All they know is what they see and how people respond to the athletes. It is with that in mind, that our athletes and coaches must be even more aware of what they do or say. Additionally, as members, coaches, and athletes of the race walk community, we must make a commitment to educate others about race walking. We must inspire our athletes, especially our youth, to hold themselves to high standards of sportsmanship. My son will forever remember a particular Youth/Open/Masters. At that time, there were only a few people (in the non-elite world), whom were familiar with the fast pace race walk style that my son was displaying on the track. In fact, some had never seen the race walk in action at all. Well, at that meet, there was a Masters athlete who, during and after the event, made it his goal to get my son disqualified, declaring he was running. In fact, he was so convinced; he went from judge to judge proclaiming vociferously that my son was cheating. When the Chief Judge did not waiver, he became boisterous in his action. My son, naïve to the commotion, extended his hand to the gentleman when he approached him, trying to shake his hand and congratulate him on his second place finish. Instead of reciprocating the sentiment, the Masters started showing, Cheater! You cheated! as well as muttered some other words and comments. The Masters then turned his back on my son and walked away, still mumbling. We were in an indoor facility, so many people witnessed the commotion. One of the team coaches even went down to make sure everything was ok. The Masters athlete would not listen to our coach, even when she noted all the young man (my son) wanted to do was shake his hand and tell him great race. In fact, several people came over and praised my son on how he never lost his cool and how he remained calm and professional throughout the entire exchange and recognized his good sportsmanship. Unfortunately, the lesson my son experienced with that athlete contradicted everything we had instilled in our children and our team. What he witnessed was the lack of respect for the officials and their decisions; lack of respect for his opponents, and the refusal to recognize and appreciate the varying skill levels of other athletes; and a severe lack of selfcontrol. I am thankful that the lessons we instilled regarding sportsmanlike conduct stuck with my children and our team. I remind all that we, whether we want the role or not, are the ambassadors for our sport. Therefore, it is crucial that we serve as role models and as leaders. One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it. Ian Whatley (mentioned on page 3 under Committee members and resources) has been named to the US Team for the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championship in Rome, Italy on May 7th & 8th. Ian will compete in the 50K racewalk along with Erin Taylor-Talcott from Shore AC who is the first woman ever to be named to a team for a World 50K Racewalk Championship. This is a historic moment for the IAAF, USATF and Racewalkers across the world. Thanks to USATF-SC, the two athletes had the opportunity and support to better their 50K time at our SC 50K Open Track Racewalk on March 19th. This event confirmed the commitment of these athletes in their desire to make the US Team. Ian has been a valuable resource to USATF-GA and supporter of our activities for many years. He has participated in the USATF-GA Association/SE 5K/10K Championship and has conducted numerous clinics. Additionally, Ian has served as an official, including in the role of Chief Judge an has in recent years been an additional resource to your Current Chair, Jean Williams and to some of the Georgia Race Walkers. Congratulations from all of us at USATF Georgia.

13 "I'm not in competition with anybody but myself. My goal is to beat my last performance." - Celine Dion DID YOU KNOW? The inauguration of the modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 is a fascinating story in its own right. It was spearheaded by the French aristocrat Baron Pierre de Coubertin who was interested in promoting internationalism through amateur athletics. The excavation of athletic sites from ancient Olympia's ruins during the late 1800's provided great inspiration to recreate the ancient athletic competitions -- with modern sporting events -- and de Coubertin doggedly pushed the idea into reality. Though the modern Olympics got off to a slow and shaky start, they were well established by the time of World War I. AAU Club National Championship Kudos 1 st Place & National Record Abigail Quinn Quintessential 8: st Place Joshua Sleight Athletic Maximum Performance 8: th Place Samuel Quinn Quintessential 9:49.50 Walking first appeared in the 1904 Games as part of the "allrounders" event (precursor to the modern decathlon). In the 1906 "Interim" Games, walking in the "all-rounders" was replaced by 1500-meter and 3000-meter race walks. The Interim (or Intercalated) Games were to be held by the Greeks every four years between the Olympics. This was, however, the only time they were held. It was the first time race walking appeared (although considered unofficial by the International Olympic Committee). In 1908, the 3500-meter and 10-mile race walks were the first official race walks in the Olympics. Except for the Amsterdam Games of 1928 (when a dispute caused the race walks to be dropped), race walking has been a legitimate part of every Olympic Games since The women's race walk was added to the Games in To see the top three finishers (their country code) and the performance of all American and Canadian competitors, visit the site listed below. Howell, Phil, (2011). History of Race Walking in the Olympics. eracewalk.com Retrieved from Success in the race walk, as well as any venture, is directly related to the level of commitment and the desire to be successful. Congratulations to Abigail Quinn on her National Record performances at the 2016 AAU Club Nationals and at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Her time at the Club Nationas was 8: At the Junior Olympics, she bettered that time with n 8:08.02.

14 BUSY FEET Masters Walk it Out at 2016 USATF GA Open & Masters LDR/Racewalk/TF Association Championship On June 18 th, athletes from Georgia and other states converged upon Atlanta s Lakewood Stadium for the 2016 USATF GA Open & Masters LDR/Racewalk/TF Association Championship. Track & Field Chair, Gwen Loud Johnson, organized the event collaborating as needed with Masters Chair, Tina Klein; LDR Chair, Mike Spino; and Race-walk Chair. Jim Norvill. Under Chair Loud-Johnson s leadership, the Championship continues to grow. Athletes contested events that provided them with opportunities to run, jump, throw and thankfully, walk. Alan Moore Amy Tonsits Joel Dubow Robert Fowler On behalf of the USATF Georgia Race Walk Committee, congratulations to: W55 Masters 5000m Race Walk 1 st Place Amy Tonsits - World Class M60-69 Masters 5000m Race Walk 1 st Place Robert Fowler Atlanta Track Club M70-79 Masters 5000m Race Walk 1 st Place Alan Moore Atlanta Track Club 2 nd Place Joel Dubow Atlanta Track Club

15 WATER By the time a person becomes thirsty he/she is already dehydrated. Hydration plays a big part in performance for track and field athletes. Please make sure to have available plenty of cool water for practice and/or competitions. Hydration and overall nutrition is very important/ WHY STRETCH? Stretching is beneficial in preventing and treating injuries If done properly, stretching increases flexibility and therefore reduces the risk of injury. The reason is that a muscle/tendon group with a greater range of motion passively, will be less likely to experience tears when used actively. Although there is no consensus, some believe that stretching improves recovery and that it may enhance athletic performance. Additionally, increased flexibility of the neck, shoulders and upper back may improve respiratory function. There are three methods of stretching: static, ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Static is the method recommended for the majority of athletes since it is the least likely to cause injury. Ballistic (bouncing) and PNF stretching are preferably best reserved for a select few who are experienced with their use. To get the most benefit from your static stretching routine while minimizing injury, stretching should be done after warm-up exercises. The increased blood flow to the muscles aid in the flexibility gains from stretching and is an important component for injury prevention. Static stretching is done by slowly moving a joint towards its end range of motion. A gentle pulling sensation should be felt in the desired muscle. This position is then held for seconds. Do not stretch to the point of pain and do not bounce since this may cause injury to the muscle. Within a session, each subsequent stretch of a particular muscle group give progressively more flexibility. A set of 3 to 5 stretches is probably sufficient to get the maximum out of the routine. Alternate between agonist and antagonist muscle groups (eg. Quadriceps and hamstrings) and alternate sides. It is also a good idea to start with the neck and progress down to the feet. This enables you to take advantage of gains in flexibility from the previously stretched muscle groups. Stretching should also be done after the workout. The post-workout stretch is thought to aid in recovery. Cold packs can be applied to sore areas in those who are recovering from injuries. When stretching, relax. Relaxing is very important during the stretching routine. Stretching should not be a rushed event. Refrain from thinking of work, school, or chores. Try not to even look at others who are working out. It is important that you don t have the I ve got to hurry up and o this so I can go attitude. These thoughts are counterproductive. Stretching time is time to slow down one s breathing and to free the mind. Some athletes will employ mental imagery while stretching. In this relaxed state, the athlete visualizes proper form in preparation for training or competition. It is important that athletes remember that they should not try to make big gains in flexibility in a short period of time. Stretching should be done gradually over a long period of time and then maintained to prevent slipping back towards inflexibility. Some people will enthusiastically embark on a stretching program, but then quit two weeks later because they have not seen any benefit. It is important that athletes be patient and consistent. Flexibility takes time to achieve. In closing, if you experience neck, back, bone, or joint problems, consult your doctor before beginning a stretching program. No stretching routine should be painful. Pain indicates either incorrect technique or a medical problem. If in doubt, ask a qualified health professional. AUGUST 20, 2016 USATF-GA ANNUAL MEETING USATF-GA RACE WALK COMMITTEE MEETING SMYRNA COMMUNITY CENTER SMYRNA, GA 8:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.

16 EACH ONE TEACH ONE HIGH SCHOOL RACE WALK KUDOS Many coaches, athletes and parents may not be familiar with HSRW.net. HSRW.net is a website all about giving recognition to the top HS Race Walkers in the US. Nothing more, nothing less. Are you, your sister, your brother, your daughter, your son, your friend, another relative, or a fellow teammate a Girl Scout or Boy Scout? If so, then the athlete can use his/her track and field, running, and walk experience and knowledge towards earning a patch, badge, or try-it. When offering clinics, consider conducting one for a scout troop, for children in an after school February Birthdays: The following E--1 athletes, program, gor kids in summer/spring break camps, training friends, potential E-1 track team or to children members, at a and local coaches school. will Prior celebrate to doing birthdays so, make sure during to follow the month the protocol of February: and procedures as it relates to setting it up with official personnel, February 7 Marcus Davis (17) getting waivers February signed, 13 or Sydni getting Brooks parent (9) permission. February 24 Kayla Evans (14) February 25 Auburn B.J. Chandler (11) Girl Scouts can use their track skills to earn one of the following patches/try-its: Daisy Scout Shape Up Brownie Shape Up or Sports & Games Junior - Field Sports, Fun and Fitness, or Shape Up Cadets/Senior Scouts Sports for Life and Shape Up There are also patches and try-its that are specific to races and walking: Race to the Finish, Walk for a Cause, Walk for a Cure, etc. Boy Scouts can use their track and field experiences and knowledge to earn the following badges: Athletics Personal Fitness Sports Races: BSA Physical Fitness Award Michael Roth, the creator of the site, notes, With all of the websites devoted to HS T&F, this event is still largely ignored. In an effort to create some exposure for these dedicated young athletes, I created the HS RW Rankings. For awhile, they were featured on a few other sites, including Dyestat, but relying on others to update the rankings was... unreliable. So, this site was born. He further states, Countless HS athletes have benefitted from this site through newspaper and website references to their achievements. Many have also received college scholarships for Race Walking (YES, IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU TOO) to NAIA schools. Our efforts have also led to enhanced recognition of the event in the mainstream of Track & Field. Maria Michta and Roberto & Ricardo Vergara were featured athletes on Dyestat. Tyler Sorensen was the USATF Athlete of the Week. Trevor Barron was the 2010 USATF Youth Athlete of the Year & 1st Race Walker to ever be recognized by Track & Field News as both a Top 10 HS athlete of the Year and 1st HS athlete to ever be ranked #1 Nationally in their Annual Rankings, avers Roth. He further challenges athletes by saying, You could be next. Get out and walk! Well, Georgia has done just that, specifically the athletes of E-1 Track Club who are the ones on the list of nationally ranked high school race walkers. E-1 athletes also hold the six Georgia records. As the new chair of the committee, I few confident that we will have many more nationally ranked race walk athletes and many more records. For 2016, Jordan Crawford is the only race walker in Georgia to be nationally ranked. Venue National Ranking Event Time Indoor 3 rd 1500m 7:20.81 Indoor 8 th Mile 7:42.90 Outdoor 5 th 1500m 6:57.03 Outdoor 6 th Mile 7:11.42 Outdoor 4 th 3000m 14:54.25 It is important that being nationally ranked is no small accomplishment, especially when one takes into consideration that several of the athletes race walk for their high school and thus train in spring and summer. Jordan, a multifaceted athlete is not only a race walker, he contests the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, Steeplechase, 3K and 5K cross country races, 4x400m, 4x800m, AND the race walks. At the writing of this article, the following Georgia records have been verified by hsrw.net Venue GA HS Record Holder Event Time Year Indoor Jordan Crawford 1500m 7: Outdoor Trey Williams 1500m 8: Outdoor Jordan Crawford Mile 7: Outdoor Camryn Curtis Mile 9: Outdoor Trey Williams 3000m 14: Outdoor Sabria Wooten 3000m 16: In addition to the achievements above, it Is important to note that Trey Williams stats resulted in the offering of several scholarships to race walk.