Posted: May 22, 2006

Athletics: Solid Fields Taking Shape For Gateshead

By Bob Ramsak
© 2006 TRACK PROFILE Report, all rights reserved

A slew of recent World, Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists have been confirmed for the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Gateshead, set for June 11, organizers announced today.

The field in the eagerly anticipated men's 100 match between co-world record holders Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin, the world and Olympic 100 meter champion, is beginning to take shape. Jamaicans Michael Frater and Ainsley Waugh, part of the victorius 4x100 relay at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, have joined the field.

In the women's 200, Jamaicans Veronica Campbell and Sherone Simpson, gold medallists in the event at the 2004 Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games, respectively, will face American Allyson Felix, the event's reigning world champion.

Organizers are piecing together a strong men's 3000, which includes Kenyan Augustine Choge, winner of the 5000 in Melbourne, and compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic bronze medallist in the 5000. Ugandan Boniface Kiprop, the Commonwealth 10,000 champion, was also announced.

The men's 1500 includes a pair of Commonwealth champions, Nick Willis of New Zealand who won the 1500 and Kenyan Alex Kipchirchir, winner of the 800.

Another Jamaican, Maurice Wignall, the Commonwealth 110 meter hurdles champion, will compete as well.

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