Posted: January 3, 2006

Athletics: USATF offers exclusive Gatlin, Felix poster for sale

INDIANAPOLIS - Track fans can now purchase a limited-edition, autographed poster featuring 2005 Jesse Owens Award winners and World Outdoor champions Allyson Felix and Justin Gatlin at USATF.org.

The poster, exclusive to USA Track & Field, was distributed at the 2005 Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in conjunction with USATF's 2005 Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Fla. The original artwork was created by two-time Olympian and internationally recognized artist Roald Bradstock.

As the official artist of USATF, Bradstock, the President and CEO of Fitness Artworks, created a painting that was used to develop the poster, capturing the essence of Gatlin and Felix's spectacular seasons.

"Working with USATF, home of the World's #1 Track & Field Team, to create this one-of-a-kind poster was the culmination of years of hard work and the realization of a dream," said Bradstock.

"We are pleased to launch this relationship with an artist with roots in our sport," said USATF CEO Craig Masback. "Given the success of this first venture, we look forward to a continued partnership creating unique, track and field focused artwork."

In 2005, Gatlin had an historic year in sweeping the 100 and 200 meters at both the USA Outdoor Championships and the IAAF World Outdoor Championships. The first man to win both the 100 and 200 meters at the USA Championships since 1985, Gatlin joins Maurice Greene as the only men to record the 100/200 double at the World Championships.

Felix dominated the women's 200 meters in 2005, winning every race she entered and coming away with her first world title. The 19-year-old Felix came from behind to win the 200m world title in 22.16 seconds over a field that included Olympic champion Veronica Campbell. In the process, she became the only teenager ever to win a world sprint crown. The long-striding Felix also won the U.S. outdoor title in a world-leading 22.13 seconds.

The autographed, framed posters of Gatlin and Felix, also signed by artist Roald Bradstock, can be purchased for $250. Unframed posters are available for $99, with proceeds going to USATF's Youth Programs.

To purchase the poster, visit USATF.org.

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