Dan O'Brien To Run USA Track & Field's New Speakers Bureau

USA Track & Field has tapped '96 Gold Medal-winning decathlete Dan O’Brien to run a new speakers bureau, where he will train athletes on public speaking and help them find paying appearances. O’Brien will work with USATF staff to choose athletes he will coach in how to negotiate rates, present on relevant topics and develop a compelling profile, the USATF said.

O’Brien is already a brand ambassador and on-air commentator at USATF.tv and NBC broadcasts. USATF CEO Max Siegel said the bureau will be O’Brien’s primary responsibility aside from the TV commentary. The move comes as the USATF continues to address critics who say it has not done enough to market athletes or support them financially. Siegel said, “We're not trying to usurp the agents. We’re just trying to present opportunities to athletes who want them.”