Coach Watson M.Ed.

USA Track & Field has announced the creation of the USATF Tour, launching in 2026, which they describe as a “a transformative opportunity to elevate professional track and field competition through the standardization of best practices, coordination schedules and with financial, marketing and logistical support from the federation.” The USATF Tour aims to coordinate the national meet calendar, align with World Athletics-labeled meets and strengthen the events through shared marketing, media, and operational support from USATF. The governing body says they could provide resources like drug testing, officials, broadcast coordination, medical support and branding assets. Meets can also earn World Athletics Continental Tour designation, giving athletes valuable ranking points and exposure. 🗣️ USATF CEO Max Siegel: “The USATF Tour represents a collective investment in the future of our sport. It addresses some of the key challenges facing track and field in the United States including fragmented scheduling, overlapping events, and dispersed media coverage. Together with dedicated meet organizers from across the country, we can deliver stronger competition, a better fan experience, and greater value for athletes, partners, and communities.” In 2022, USATF announced the Journey to Gold Tour which was comprised of the Bermuda Grand Prix, NYC Grand Prix and LA Grand Prix. All three meets were granted World Athletics Continental Tour status and were carried on NBC in 2024. However, all three events were cancelled in 2025. 📅 Applications for new or existing meets to join are open now through October 31. 🏁 The full 2026 Tour calendar will be announced at the USATF Annual Meeting on December 5, 2025.

🇯🇲 "I am a proud daughter of the soil, and I owe an eternal debt of gratitude to Jamaica. To my fellow Jamaicans—thank you for your unyielding love, loyalty, and pride that have propelled me year after year. It has been the greatest honor to carry our flag across the world. We may be small, but we are mighty, and I am humbled to have represented the strength of our nation with passion on the global stage. I know my race is not finished; it is simply a lane change..." The great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce shares a message of gratitude on her Instagram page after concluding her final season as a professional runner.