On behalf of USA Track & Field’s Board of Directors, National Office and the entire organization, it is our pleasure to introduce our year-end issue of Fast Forward, which serves as a commemorative 2012 yearbook and program for the 2012 Jesse Owens Awards and National Track & Field Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The past year was a spectacular one for the sport, and in this issue, we celebrate the best of 2012 and the best of all-time in track & field. The Owens Awards Ceremony at our Annual Meeting is the one occasion every year where every level of the sport is tied together in person, from youth athletes through masters; our legendary athletes, coaches and contributors through the professional athletes of today. And without a doubt, there are future Hall of Famers in attendance – and being honored – at this year’s Annual Meeting.
We are honored that so many have joined us in this annual celebration, whether in Daytona Beach or by following the sport throughout the year. Whether or not you had direct contact with any of our honorees, you had an important role in their success. By keeping our sport strong on every level, you provide the environment in which our stars thrive. As USATF’s programs continue to grow, we find it more and more often the case that our current stars have come up through USA Track & Field’s programs – programs that exist because of you.
Please join us in offering congratulations to all of our 2012 honorees, and please accept our sincere “thank you” for everything you do for USA Track & Field.