Pre Classic joins Diamond ring More elite athletes might be headed to Eugene after the meet is chosen for a series of top track events around the world

Posted to Web: Monday, Mar 2, 2009 11:00PM
Appeared in print: Tuesday, Mar 3, 2009, page C6

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt at the Prefontaine Classic? How about Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva?

Both of those scenarios could happen as soon as 2010 following Monday’s announcement by the IAAF of the launch of a new circuit of at least 12 international track and field meets known as the Diamond League.

The Pre Classic will be one of two U.S. meets given Diamond League status in 2010. The other is the Reebok Grand Prix in New York.

The idea, according to the IAAF, is to expand worldwide appeal of the sport outside of Europe by providing a series of global stages for high-level competition between track and field’s biggest names on a more consistent basis.

Too often, spectators are unable to watch track and field’s top athletes compete on a head-to-head basis due to financial disputes among agents or the demand for appearance fees that meet promoters can’t afford.

The Diamond League hopes to address those concerns by signing the world’s top 15 track and field headliners to contracts for six of the 12 stops on the circuit, plus providing $416,000 in prize money for each meet.

So, what is the effect on the Pre Classic?

“What it potentially means is that we may be able to get some of the biggest name athletes that we haven’t been able to afford previously,” meet director Tom Jordan said. “Folks like Bolt or Isinbayeva. Overall, I think it will be a great plus for track and field in the U.S., and the Pre Classic in particular.”

At present, there are no appearance fees for Pre Classic athletes.

The meet is financially supported by Nike and its athletes are under contract to compete at the Pre Classic.

Jordan said the current asking price for Bolt, who captivated the world with his record-breaking performances in winning gold medals in the 100 (9.69 seconds) and 200 (19.30) at the Beijing Olympics, is about $200,000.

“Not everyone is at that level,” Jordan said. “He is the top draw, absolutely.”

The Diamond League will replace the...