Trent Lane, 101, wasn’t alone: 684 were no-shows at Sacto worlds
Trent Lane at 2006 nationals.
Here’s the rest of a quickie Q&A I had with Bob:
Masterstrack.com: Do you have an economic-impact summary you can share?
Bob Burns: The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau is the group that makes all the economic estimates. The number they’ve given the local media has ranged from $12 million to $20 million. The truth is, we’ll never know the precise figure, but it’s fair to say that the WMA Championships gave local businesses — restaurants, hotels, sporting goods stores — a sizable boost.
When will medals be mailed out? How many medals (gold, silver, bronze by count) are owed athletes from last couple days? One source says your supplier was late in making delivery. Is this true?
We expect to mail out the medals within three weeks. We are waiting for the medals to be delivered from the supplier but have a plan in place to send them out quickly once we receive them. I don’t have a breakdown on how many medals need to be mailed out, but the total is several hundred.
The shortage of medals is the biggest disappoint on our end. We simply underestimated the number of team medals that needed to be awarded in cross country, the race walks and the marathon. We’re sorry this happened, but we’re doing everything we can to make it right in the end.
How do you compare running a WMA meet with running an Olympic Trials? Which is more challenging?
Logistically, the WMA Championships were probably more difficult. The event lasted longer and required six different venues if you include cross country, the road race walks and the marathon. Providing transportation between the hotels and venues was a major challenge. Sacramento’s regional transit system was up to the task once the athletes became familiar with it. The Olympic Trials, on the other hand, received more scrutiny media-wise and featured more restrictions from the USOC and USATF.
All I can say is that I was more tired after WMA, but I’m also older than I was in 2000 and 2004. Our volunteers were exceptional and presented Sacramento in a good light, and the technical organization – officials, timing, registration – was outstanding.
The response we’ve received after the event from athletes and national affiliates has been very positive, so that’s gratifying. We’d like to thank everyone for coming and hope they enjoyed the experience.
4 Responses
Bob was one of the hardest working people at the championships. He was very accessible, positive and helpful. Thanks for what you did, buddy!
The straight up, no excuses apology on medals is honest and refreshing. Thanks for that too.
I agree with Tom, Bob was great – very helpful in providing everything we needed to cover the meet.
Curious how many folks are no-shows in Berea due to Worlds. Would take an already small showing to a tiny one should a number in the three figures not make an appearance.
Haven’t heard as much as a peep about Outdoor Nats. Is that because it’s right on the heels of Worlds? Looks like temps are bearable at least. Upper 80’s and just creeping into the 90’s.
Thanks Bob
I found your professional and hard working approach a great help and it made the process so much easier for me as an individual. I enjoyed meeting you and look forward to keeping in touch and I wish you every success with anything else you organise.
Lesley Richardson
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