American Athletes Must Make a Statement in Berlin

In 1936, the great Jesse Owens let his actions speak, as he defied "Herr Fuhrer" and his Aryan supremacist regime.

In time, the evil Hitler machine which threatened to crush the world met its own crushing end.

Ronald Reagan let his words speak, as he challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall!"

In time, the symbol of isolation and oppression did come down, and hope and freedom opened up new channels of communication and cooperation.

Now, once again, an American contingent goes to Berlin to make a statement.

The 2009 IAAF Outdoor Track and Field World Championships will be held in Berlin, Germany August 15-23.

Though Berlin, and even the world may hear the statement, the intended audience is none other than the good old USA.

American track and field has been on an upward climb in recent years—clawing its way back from near extinction in the late 1980s and 1990s. Doping scandals, inability to draw international competition, fan apathy and almost nonexistent reporting have dealt crippling blows to the sport.

While American T&F was in ICU, the rest of the world made hay.

African nations such as Ethiopia and Kenya forged an ironclad monopoly on distance running.

Tiny Jamaica dominates the sprints.

The always-strong eastern European nations have carved out their niche - owning a majority of the field events.

While strong competition is welcomed and is good for the sport, America has been playing catch-up.

But just as a runner who hangs back in a race and waits for the moment to make a move, America is methodically picking her way back through the pack. She's right on the shoulder of the leaders again—ready for the final kick.

Eight reigning Team USA World Champions will be defending their titles in Berlin. There are also eight Team USA members who are 2009 world leaders in their events.

Then consider the 20 Olympic medalists, 28 World Championship medalists, and 10 American record holders.

For America, the underdog role just doesn't work anymore.

With the world's best facilities, training, and financial support, there are no more excuses for the Americans. The pressure is on to perform now.

This will be Team USA's first return to Berlin for a major international competition since Jesse Owens posterized Adolph Hitler.

That hallowed ground demands a statement be made.

This time the message may not change the course of the world.

But it just may cause a T&F fan (and a few million of his friends who remember the glory days) to once again rest in the knowledge that all is right with the world again.

Television coverage schedule
(all times Eastern)

August 15       1-3pm           NBC
August 16       2-4pm           NBC
August 17       1-4pm           Versus
August 18       1-3pm           Versus
August 19       1:30-4pm       Versus
August 20       1:30-3:30pm   Versus
August 21       1:30-3:30pm   Versus
August 22       1-3pm            NBC
August 23       2-4pm            NBC