Posted: September 30, 2005

Athletics: USATF News & Notes, Volume 6, Number 76

Abdirahman joins strong U.S. men's field at ING New York City Marathon

Two-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman has joined three other American men–Ryan Shay, Matt Downin and Peter Gilmore–as the latest additions to the field for the ING New York City Marathon 2005.

The four athletes join previously announced Meb Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist and ING New York City Marathon 2004 runner-up, to make up one of the strongest American fields in recent years. The runners will be put to a stern test on November 6 against a stellar lineup featuring world record-holder Paul Tergat of Kenya, defending champion Hendrick Ramaala of South Africa, and reigning two-time world champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco.

The announcement was made just days before Shay and Downin were scheduled to represent the United States at the IAAF World Championships Half-Marathon on Saturday, October 1, in Edmonton, Canada.

Abdirahman, 28, of Tucson, Arizona, made his marathon debut at the ING New York City Marathon 2004, placing 14th in 2:17:09. A five-time Team USA World Cross Country Championships team member, Abdirahman has enjoyed a strong 2005 season highlighted by his runner-up finish at the USA 8 km Championships in March, a win at the USA 10-Mile Championships in April, a 10,000-meter national title (28:10.38) in June and an American record-setting run at the USA 20 km Championships (58:42) earlier this month.

Shay, 26, of East Jordan, Michigan, became only the sixth American man since 1993 to break into the top 10 with an impressive ninth-place finish (2:14:08) at the ING New York City Marathon 2004. In 2005 he has sustained his reputation as one of the most consistent performers on the American distance running scene, winning the USA 15 km Championships and capturing fourth place at the USA 8 km Championships, 11th place at the BAA Boston Marathon and the runner-up spot at the USA 20 km Championships.

Downin, 28, of Norwood, N.J., was the top American finisher in the ING New York City Marathon 2003 with his 17th-place finish (2:18.48); he ran 2:18:50 in 2004 to place 16th. Enjoying one of his best-ever seasons in 2005, Downin finished third in the USA Track & Field Championships at 10,000 meters and fourth in the USA 20 km Championships.

Gilmore, 28, of San Mateo, Calif., ran a breakthrough race at the 2005 BAA Boston Marathon in April, finishing 10th, and represented the United States at the IAAF World Championships Marathon in August.

For more information on the ING New York City Marathon, visit www.nyrr.org.

USATF seeks National Teams Manager

USA Track & Field is seeking a candidate with strong communication, organizational and managerial skills to work in our Elite Athlete Programs department focusing on USA National Team support. We are a non-profit Olympic Sports organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The candidate should be hardworking, energetic, detail-oriented and personable and should demonstrate a strong understanding of the Olympic Sport movement, especially track & field. This position requires significant domestic and international travel throughout the year.

The candidate will work with the six-person Elite Athlete Programs department to administer a variety of athlete programs, primarily the management of USA National Teams under the supervision of the Associate Director of International Teams and Championships. These duties include: Coordination of team sign-up, travel, housing, uniforms, communications, medical needs, budgeting and financial reporting for a variety of domestic and international competitions and relay camps. Team size ranges from 10 to 200 athletes and staff. Additional duties include extensive communication with and administrative support of volunteer committees and team staff, maintenance of team staff and athlete information databases, management of team staff evaluation process and maintenance of staff guide and creation of athlete guides for each event.

Minimum Requirements A bachelor's degree is required. Extensive job experience in an office environment managing information, preparing reports and working with budgets, and handling customer inquiries and other administrative areas. At least 3-5 years experience in the Olympic sports movement or related sports environment. A working knowledge of USATF programs, international events or elite athletes is a significant plus. Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel and Access. Excellent written, oral and public presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to manage a number of projects and handle large amounts of quantitative and qualitative data. Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds

For more information on this position with USA Track & Field, visit:USATF.org.