USAT&F, which is "taking bows and congratulating itself" on the "overwhelming success" of the U.S. Olympic Track Trials in Sacramento, CA, has had "nothing to do" with the event's success, according to Lynn Zinser of the Colorado Springs GAZETTE. Zinser: "The Sacramento Sports Commission put together the meet. The fans bought the tickets and brought the enthusiasm. The athletes brought the talent that makes the show. And the sport's caretaker is as lost as ever." Zinser writes that USAT&F has "almost completely relinquished the marketing and publicity side of things to the shoe companies who sponsor the athletes. It hasn't put together a relevant series of meets in this country that can sustain themselves. ... It squabbles incessantly with the international federation, which should be its ally. So instead of absorbing undue credit for a widely successful trials, [USAT&F] should be feeling rather sheepish." But Zinser adds that the organization does have some "built-in handicaps," as it "doesn't have enough money or power to start its own meet circuit." Zinser: "But with a little common sense, a shred of leadership ability, a touch of organizational skill, [USAT&F] could at least make a convincing effort in turning this around. There is hope for track. Just ask Sacramento" (CO Springs GAZETTE, 7/20).
