Olympic and World Medalist Walter Dix to Headline 200m at DBI

MEDIA RELEASE

May 14, 2012

Olympic and World Medalist Walter Dix to Headline the 200m

Edmonton...Walter Dix, the two-time Olympic Bronze and two-time World Silver Medalist is announcing that he will race at the Donovan Bailey Invitational on June 16 in Edmonton. Dix will headline a strong 200m field that is expected to eclipse the 20-second barrier, a feat that hasn't been accomplished on Canadian soil since the Edmonton 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

“This will be my first trip to Edmonton, and I am looking forward to seeing a part of Canada I’ve never been to,” says Dix. “It will be great to line up against some of the world’s top athletes and compete to the best of my ability.”

Dix’s remarkable 2011 season included being crowned the USA 100m Champion and the 200m Champion at the Memorial Van Damme Diamond League meet in Brussels. There he finished with one of the fastest performances in history: 19.53 seconds over 200m.

“Walter is coming to Edmonton following a great 2011 season,” says Peter Ogilvie, Meet Director and Executive Director of Athletics Alberta. “We’re excited to see what time he can achieve here in Edmonton.”

Dix will join many other Olympic hopefuls at Foote Field on June 16 for the third of six stops in the 2012 National Track League series. The Donovan Bailey Invitational (formerly called the Edmonton International Track Classic), gives athletes an opportunity to meet Olympic standard times prior to their Olympic trials a few weeks later.

For Canadians, the Donovan Bailey Invitational is an opportunity to witness and support Canadian athletes in their quest for Olympic Gold at the London 2012 Olympics, which run July 27 to August 12, 2012. The Donovan Bailey Invitational is now part of the new Edmonton International Athletics Festival, which runs May 25 to June 25.

Athletics Alberta is the provincial organizing body for track and field, cross country and road running, and is a branch of Athletics Canada. Athletics Alberta has 2,000 members and offers programs for 75,000 non-affiliated members. Athletics is a dynamic sport for all ages and abilities. Through various programs and activities, Athletics Alberta brings the joy and benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle to Albertans. 

For more information on the Edmonton International Athletics Festival, visit athleticsfestival.com. For more information on Athletics Alberta, visit athleticsalberta.com. Follow us: www.facebook.com/AthleticsAlberta and on Twitter @athleticsab.

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Media contact:

Rosemary Malowany

Wild Rose Communications

P: 780-695-8850

E: rosemary@wildrosecommunications.com