Two-time Olympian Nick Symmonds, Olympic Silver Medalist Trey Hardee, and Olympic Gold Medalist Ashton Eaton to Compete in First-of-Its-Kind Track Event
Austin, TX (July 9, 2015) – FloTrack today unveiled the elite roster of athletes confirmed to compete in the first-ever FloTrack Throwdown event, which will take place in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 8. This first-of-its-kind track event will feature elite competitions in the 100-meter and 1500-meter distances among others, and give athletes the last chance to qualify for the World Championships based on the descending order qualification system.
Putting a new spin on the traditional track meet, this interactive, festival-style environment will also feature an amateur mile competition, 4 x 400-meter relay races between top Pacific Northwest run-specialty stores and a fastest-kid-in-Portland competition.
The initial field of confirmed elite athletes includes:
Nick Symmonds – 2012 & 2008 Olympic Team Member, currently ranked #1 in the USA at 800m
Ashton Eaton – 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist – Men’s Decathlon, world record-holder in both the decathlon and indoor heptathlon events
Trey Hardee – former NCAA Champion in Men’s Decathlon, 2008 Olympic Team Member and 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist – Men’s Decathlon
Brooks Beasts Track Club – An elite team of Brooks’ sponsored athletes in the Pacific Northwest.
“We are thrilled to announce this roster of Olympians for our first-ever FloTrack Throwdown event,” FloSports co-founder and COO Mark Floreani said. “We are dedicated to connecting with track and field fans in entertaining and innovative ways, and we know this new formula for a track and field competition will be popular with die-hard and casual track fans alike.”
Rogue Brewery will serve as the official beer sponsor for the event. The local Oregon brewery creates handcrafted Ales, Porters, Stouts, Lagers and Spirits. The spirit of the Rogue brand, even the name, suggests doing things differently, a desire and a willingness to change the status quo. A Rogue Ale, Porter, Stout, Lager or Spirit is crafted to give it unique character, innovative in its makeup and brewing, a process that has not compromised quality.
As part of the event structure, FloTrack will also introduce a unique way to compensate athletes, in addition to the general prize purse. The “interactive” model will involve providing athletes with a share of the money that event spectators pay for apparel, beer, and food, much of which will be supplied on the track infield where fans can watch the races.
“When I heard that FloTrack was putting on a meet, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it, Symmonds said. “FloTrack does an A+ job creating content and hosting events, and it is always fun to work with them. You better believe I will be at this year’s FloTrack Throwdown!”
“I’m ready to sharpen my skills in Portland before heading over to Beijing for the world championships against the best competition in the world,” Hardee said. “No doubt, it will be a superb atmosphere with all the fans being right down there on top of us. Feeding off their energy really changes the game.”
For more information and to view the event live, visit Throwdown.FloTrack.com.
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