Posted: September 20, 2004

Athletics:Mammoth Lakes Celebrates Meb and Deena

On Saturday, September 18 in a magical town called Mammoth Lakes, the clouds parted, the sun shone and the theme from Chariots of Fire stirred the expectant crowd. The athletes each in a decorated golf cart arrived in the plaza surrounded by Olympic rings, proud townspeople and congratulatory banners.

With their Olympic medals around their necks, Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor, walked down the red carpet and up on the stage. Children jumped up and down on the bubble wrap - the Mammoth version of firecrackers.

The odds that there would be two American marathon medalists were minimal so perhaps and the fact that both were from the same training group is no coincidence. The charm of Mammoth Lakes and the luxurious condos create a misleading impression that the Team Running USA athletes enjoy a cushy resort lifestyle. The truth is tough and demanding. The success of these two Olympians is the result of dedication, isolation from society's indulgences and personal sacrifices over many years.

And for that reason, perhaps the most significant activity of the Mammoth Celebration weekend was the 7:30am practice that preceded the Parade. Coaches Larsen and Vigil were very encouraged by the quality of the performances they witnessed for the 6 athletes who are currently training there. In particular, they noticed a new spark in the team members' attitudes. The potential impact of Meb and Deena's medals on future American distance stars is one of the greatest reasons to celebrate.

Background

At the recent Athens Olympics, Keflezighi (silver) and Kastor (bronze) won the first U.S. Olympic distance medals since 1992 (Lynn Jennings, bronze 10,000m) and the first Olympic Marathon medals since 1984 (Joan Benoit, gold marathon) and for Keflezighi, the first U.S. men's Olympic Marathon medal since 1976 (Frank Shorter, silver).

In January 2001, Keflezighi and Kastor and their coaches Bob Larsen and Joe Vigil formed the nucleus of Team USA California (now Team Running USA). This training group - sponsored by Nike, The ING New York City Marathon and Atlanta Track Club - set up camp in Mammoth Lakes located at 7500 feet in the Eastern Sierras and also at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista/San Diego (sea level).

Since 2001, Team Running USA athletes - led by Meb and Deena - have earned Olympic and World Championship medals, set one world road record, eight national records and numerous personal records, won 38 national titles in three disciplines: the roads (24), outdoor track (7)/indoor track (1), cross country (5) and mountain (1) and added to world and U.S. all-time lists. In short, this group has improved the fortunes of U.S. distance running, raised the bar and the sport's profile and served as excellent ambassadors for the sport and the country - more than any other training group in this country.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.