Petition: USATF should pay for pair’s travel to IAAF Beijing worlds
When I heard that the IAAF world meet would have masters exhibition races, I assumed that USATF would help with expenses if Americans were chosen. Boy, was I wrong. On Friday, Anselm LeBourne launched a GoFundMe drive to raise $3,000 to cover travel costs to Beijing and his masters exhibition 800. God bless the folks who’ve donated $300 so far. But I’m outraged that Anselm (and Renee Shepherd in the 400) have to bear these expenses. They’ll be outfitted as Team USA members, and they deserve the same privileges. So I started a petition. Privately, USATF masters officials are apologetic that they didn’t budget for Beijing masters races. But that’s no excuse for the Mother Ship. USATF should reimburse Renee and Anselm for any costs not handled by WMA or IAAF. Renee is recovering from an injury to her left foot instep (and may miss Lyon worlds), but she’s had this before and expects to be fine for Beijing in late August. Anselm, one of the oldest in the 50-plus men’s race, will be in the mix, too.
Here’s my latest petition. But hey, sometimes they work! Please click and sign.
Anselm writes on his GoFundMe page:
I am a 16 time World Record Holder in Masters Track and Field and a 4 time USA age group athlete of the year. I was recently selected to the inagural Masters Exhibition 800 meters for men 50 and older to be held in Beijing, China at the World Track and Field Championships. There were 9 athletes selected from around the world and I was chosen as one of them. I am the oldest participant in this event. The Neccessary Transportation and Accomodation needs were not fully met. I really would like to participate in this event which is why I am asking for your support to get me to China.
I’m appalled by Anselm’s “Neccessary Transportation and Accomodation needs” not being met. You should be, too.
Not sure how other countries are handling their masters entrants, but USATF has a deep-pockets sponsor, Nike, contributing $11 million and year for the next few years and $20 million a year through 2040. And masters make up a big share of USATF membership.
It’s obscene to expect Renee and Anselm to pay their own way to a Team USA event. If I get enough signatures on my petition (I’m shooting for 1,000), I’ll make sure USATF brass in Indy are aware of our call.
USATF Masters T&F Committee may say, “Oops, we’re sorry.” But I won’t stand by and see some of our some athletes dissed.
On the Fourth of July, it’s time to get USATF to show some masters patriotism. Just do the right thing, Indy!
5 Responses
Usatf send hem to China!
Support all Team USA athletes
Isn’t IAAF paying? One of my friends is invitated too and I am quite sure that our federation does not pay.
It is an honor to be the first masters to participate to this event. When you see the number of people paid by federation just to be closed to athletes it is a pity that Masters are not considered as real athletes as other one’s…
We are lucky in France, thanks to President of French federation our athletes will be considered as any other athletes selected to this championship: travels and costs will be handled by French federation as for Renaud Lavillenie..
On other side, I heard that any american athletes participating (not selected because entry is free) to Lyon will get official equipment: so I think USATF or sponsor have enough money for Anselm
Athletes have to pay their own way to Lyon & Perth. How is this different? BUT if we are going to start paying athletes expenses to compete USATF should be the payor not Master’s T&F.
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